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VOL.23, NO.9

Going back to school is cool

SEPTEMBER 2011

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY FRANK KLEIN

By Barbara Ruben It’s back to school time, and for many students, that means butterflies in the stomach and first day jitters. But for adults going back to school after raising a family, there can be an added layer of initial self doubt. As Karen Parker Thompson recalled when she enrolled in a masters program at American University (AU) earlier this year, “I was looking at all the things we had to read and studying for tests and said, ‘Oh my goodness, what did I get myself into?’” Thompson, 53, had a contract working with Alexandria City Public Schools, where she coordinated family involvement and community resources. When her work came to an end, she was pondering her next career move. Having two daughters in college, and one who recently graduated, spurred Thompson to consider revisiting the ivory tower and pursuing her own advanced degree. “I was at a crossroads. Do I want to make a U-turn or reinvent myself? My heart took me back to working with families,” she said. Thompson decided on AU’s Master of Science in organizational development. “I thought it would really enhance the work I do in community organizing and engaging families,” she said. As for her progress to date, she said “it’s easier [than the last time I went to college] because I’m more focused. I have to do all the stuff I told my daughters to do for years: study, prepare for class. “Of course, it’s easier saying it than actually doing it,” she admitted. “I’m still trying to get my rhythm.” It helps that her daughter Ariell is a junior at AU. “I call her up and say, ‘Do you want to go to the library?’ She thinks it’s cool,” Thompson laughed. Mother and daughter even plan to graduate at the same time, in two years. And after that? Thompson is thinking about continuing on to a PhD in psychology. While students over 50 still make up a tiny minority of university students in the United States, the percentage of older students in general is growing. Between 2000 and 2009, the enrollment of college students 25 and over rose 43 percent, while those under 25 increased

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

Adventures in the Dominican Republic; plus, going Dutch in Delft, the best value destinations, and fall gardening tips page 39

ARTS & STYLE

Creative theater workshops; plus, remembering dad’s vaudeville career, famous Americans in Paris, and Bob Levey’s ire Karen Parker Thompson and her daughter Ariell take a break on the campus of American University, where they are both students. Thompson went back to school to enhance her career with a master’s degree. Options abound for older adults returning to college, including auditing classes at public universities free of charge.

by only 27 percent, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students between 50 and 64 made up 3.1 percent of total undergraduate college enrollment and 6.9 percent of graduate enrollment in 2009. Those 65 and older comprised only 0.4 and 0.3 percent, respectively.

Middle-aged undergrad Sandra Green graduated from high school 37 years ago and hadn’t been back to school until she enrolled in Trinity Washington University in the District two years ago as an undergraduate. Green had spent years caring for her disabled son, but longed to further her education.

“I wanted to go so much to fulfill a dream. I watched my daughter grow up and go to college, my friends, my sisters, everybody. And I was just left home being a caregiver,” she said. An article about Trinity’s associate degree program at THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) in Southeast Washington sparked her interest. So Green found a patchwork of care for her son and signed up to take an initial placement exam. “Mind you, I haven’t taken an exam since I stepped out of school when I was 18, and I’m 55 now. I wasn’t sure how that See BACK TO SCHOOL, page 35

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FITNESS & HEALTH k Hypnosis can trump drugs k Seniors are safest drivers?

LAW & MONEY k Where to find stable stocks k Is gold the next bubble?

VOLUNTEERS & CAREERS

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LIFETIMES k News from the Charles E. Smith Life Communities

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

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H O LY C R O S S H O S P I TA L N E U R O S C I E N C E

“Five days after my stroke, I was back in my garden. Thanks to the Stroke Response Team at Holy Cross Hospital.” If anyone appreciates the value of rapid and efficient teamwork, it’s Kelly Walker. In the midst of a stroke, she was brought to Holy Cross Hospital. A designated Primary Stroke Center. A gold award-winner from the American Stroke Association, with a team that treats more stroke patients than any other hospital in Montgomery County. A life-saving combination for patients like Kelly Walker. For more information or to find a physician call 301-754-8800 or visit holycrosshealth.org.

TO WATCH KELLY’S STORY, SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

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r u o r! Y a k d ar len M a C

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Ballston Common Mall Arlington, VA Sunday, October 30 Noon – 4 p.m.

SPECIAL PROGRAM: What will become of Social Security and Medicare? Featuring:

White Flint N. Bethesda, MD Sunday, November 6 Noon – 4 p.m.

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Moving the folks (Part I) My parents, whom you’ve “met” before he can continue to handle her care (and in this column, have once again graciously clean the chickens), they recently decided provided me with an occasion to move into an assisted living for some musings. You see, facility near their home in they’ve recently moved into Texas. an assisted living facility. My brother and I, who both While I have edited articles live in this neck of the woods about such moves many times and typically visit our folks a over the years, this is my first few times a year, recently took opportunity to experience the turns assisting in the move. It real thing myself, and therein was an education in several lie a few tales. ways. First, what led my parents to FROM THE While I had expected to make such a change after 60 PUBLISHER face some challenges in paryears of marriage? Though my By Stuart P. Rosenthal ing down their spacious two91-year-old father has some of bedroom-plus-den condo to a the usual chronic conditions (high blood modest one-bedroom assisted living apartpressure and cholesterol) and some less ment, I had remembered my parents’ usual ones (celiac disease), he is generally in home as containing the accumulated furnisound health, drives safely and walks inde- ture, bric-a-brac and debris of one family. pendently (if carefully). But over the years, without my realizing My 82-year-old mother, suffering from os- it, they had accumulated many of the valuteoporosis and arthritis, needs a walker and ables (and much of the detritus) of their considerable assistance with daily tasks, but own parents, who had passed on in the inshe, too, is otherwise in decent health. tervening decades. So my brother and I For decades, my mother took care of were really facing not one, but three the household needs, but the tables have households of goods — and cherished turned in recent years, leaving Dad mostly memories — to help sort through. responsible for the shopping, cooking, Adding to the difficulty was the presserving and clean-up duties. sure applied on my brother and myself to Primarily because of Mom’s needs, and absorb many of these “heirlooms” in order my father’s growing concern over how long to keep them in the family and avoid the

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pain of truly disposing of them. I won’t deny that there were some family items my brother and I were thrilled to bring home (though my wife was somewhat less than ecstatic about the handmade menorah). But there were many, many valuables that we had to politely but firmly refuse, including old 78 rpm records, VHS tapes, books, baby pictures, wall hangings, rococo serving platters and formal china. Psychologically, I think it was most difficult for my parents to grasp what it means to move to a place where they would be fed three meals a day (plus snacks!). While that was one of the main impetuses for the move (for my father, at least), it was painful to have to keep reminding them they didn’t need to retain every item from their kitchen and dining room. A 10-ft. dining room table with eight chairs? A breakfront full of (multiple sets of) china and crystal stemware for 16? Pots, pans, mixing bowls, cutlery, serving and storage paraphernalia? You name it, there was little they were prepared to leave behind. I guess the idea that they would be making so many new friends and wouldn’t be able to entertain them in style was hard to swallow. Clothing was a similar challenge, for my mother, that is. She painstakingly went through her walk-in closet (plus the smaller walk-in closet in the second bedroom) to collect about 15 linear feet worth of items. The problem was, their new closet had about five feet of space for the two of them. Perhaps she did realize they’d be eating in a public dining room after all. How could she wear the same thing more than once a month and not “dress up” for dinner? Well, I’m almost out of space and there’s so much more to share with you: estate sale hell, the absolutely essential help of friends and neighbors, selling the condo. Stay

tuned: To be continued in my next column. In the meantime, we’d love to hear about your own moving and downsizing experiences. Please write or email us (see box below).

On radio and online For true diehard Beacon fans, I’m happy to report that you can now follow my new blog online and hear me on the radio on Sunday mornings. My dear friend JC Hayward, anchor of the noon news on WUSA9 television, has started up her own website and invited me to be one of her bloggers. I was thrilled to oblige. My blog, titled “Aging Gracefully,” appears at www.jchayward.com along with several others under “My Peeps.” I hope you’ll take a look at it. So far, I’m the only male blogger on the site, but the lady bloggers there have some very interesting offerings, including “Glamour,” “Sex U Up,” “Living Your Best Life” and more. Fans of JC will enjoy following her exploits, hearing snippets of her interviews with celebrities, seeing the inside of her closet and more. You can also catch me for a few minutes each week on WMAL’s “Eric Stewart Show,” which runs every Sunday morning from 7 to 8 a.m. at 630 AM on your radio dial. Eric and I banter about some of the most interesting topics in the Beacon as well as upcoming events, like the Beacon’s 50+ Expos taking place this fall. (Read more about the events inside this issue.) Please let me know what you think of these new offerings, and feel free to make suggestions.

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Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Graphic Designer ..............................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ........................Dan Kelly, Ron Manno, Cheryl Watts • Interns ..............Emily Hatton, Jacob Schaperow

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The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • E-mail: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 61 for classified advertising details. Please mail or e-mail all submissions.

Dear Editor: I’m glad to hear that senior men outnumber the women now, but where are they? (“Coming to our census,” August) I’ve been trying to meet a nice older gentleman for company at activities, etc., and they seem to prefer sitting in the mall or coffee shop or at home in front of the TV [watching] news/sports shows with other men. Have the men stopped liking the company of a nice woman? Grace Cooper Via e-mail Editors Note: Senior men don’t outnumber older women – yet. But their numbers are growing at a faster rate. Dear Editor: There is more than ample money available for Social Security if we use those

funds as intended — to protect our retired seniors from living in poverty. Very rich people [also] receive Social Security, which defeats the purpose. They do not — and would not — live in poverty without those funds. The solution is simple. Simply pay no funds to those with incomes exceeding $100,000 per year. Retired seniors will continue to receive their necessary funds and wealthy folks will be fine. Only citizens who have worked 10 years should partake of funds. We cannot possibly include millions of immigrants who have not worked 40 quarters in this country. Problem solved! Ann Badgley Manassas, Va. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 63

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We’re ready for storm season. Always Call When Your Power Is Out We’ve been preparing for potential outages that storms can bring, including trimming trees, hosting emergency drills, hiring call center representatives to more rapidly handle your outage concerns, increasing staff available to assess damage, and updating our systems and processes to better serve you. And while Pepco has a storm plan in place to safely and quickly restore your power, it is important that you, too, plan ahead. The following is a checklist of information to help you navigate this storm season as safely and comfortably as possible.

Be Prepared – Keep a Storm Kit Handy Even with the best of preparations, outages can occur, especially as a result of severe weather. Here’s what you can do to prepare before storms hit: Assemble an emergency “storm kit.” Include a batterypowered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, extra batteries, special needs items such as medicines, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers. Keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.

Call us at 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) to report your power outage. A neighbor’s call to report their outage will not indicate to Pepco that you’re out of power as well. Remember to request a call back to verify your service has been restored. This helps us pinpoint outages after the main electric line has been restored, and allows us to make repairs to individual customers.

Plan for Widespread Outages If you or someone you know uses life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there or go to a hotel or close-by city in the event of a prolonged outage. Also enroll in our Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program for alerts of scheduled outages and severe storm warnings.

Stay Away from Downed Wires Always assume that a downed power line is live and dangerous. Downed lines do not always spark, burn or arc. If you see a downed power line, warn children to stay away and notify an adult. Report the downed power line immediately by calling 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662), press 2.

Have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and won’t work if there is an outage.

For more storm preparation information, go to pepco.com.

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Health Fitness &

IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT Kids are safer with their grandparents driving than with mom or dad SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S Vision changes and falls may herald the onset of Alzheimer’s disease IS ROBOTIC SURGERY BETTER? While the technology is impressive, so far there aren’t proven benefits ANCIENT REMEDIES Chinese herbs may protect against Parkinson’s disease and IBS

Don’t just cut sodium, boost potassium By Mike Stobbe The debate about the dangers of eating too much salt has gained a new wrinkle: A federal study suggests that the people most at risk are those who also get too little potassium. The new research is one of the first and largest U.S. studies to look at the relationship of salt, potassium and heart disease deaths. Potassium-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, have long been recommended as a dietary defense against heart disease and other chronic illnesses. “If you have too much sodium and too little potassium, it’s worse than either one on its own,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City’s health commissioner, who has led efforts to get the public to eat less salt. He co-wrote a commentary published with the study in a recent issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Potassium may neutralize the heart-damaging effects of salt, said Dr. Elena Kuklina, one of the study’s authors at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Aim for balance Sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure, a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Salt — or sodium chloride — is the main source of sodium for most people. The research found people who eat a lot of salt and ver y little potassium were more than twice as likely to die from a heart attack as those who ate about equal amounts of both nutrients. Such a dietary imbalance posed a greater risk than simply eating too much salt, according to the study. Exactly how potassium and salt interact is not understood, and no one believes that simply taking a potassium pill will protect someone against the dangers of a high-salt diet. Instead, the take-home message is what health officials have been saying for years: Eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables and other potassium-rich foods, and eat less

salty, processed foods. Health officials say no one should eat more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, equal to about a teaspoon of salt. Certain people, such as those with high blood pressure, should eat even less. But it’s not just a matter of putting down the salt shaker. More than three-quarters of the sodium in the U.S. diet is in processed foods, and only one in 10 Americans meet the teaspoon guideline.

Potassium may neutralize the heart-damaging effects of salt

Sources of potassium Americans aren’t much better at getting enough potassium. The recommended amount is 4,700 milligrams a day. The average woman gets only about half that; the average man gets slightly more. Spinach, bananas, broccoli and prunes are among the foods known as good potassium sources. [For more on good food sources,

see our Nutrition Wise column on page 22.] In the new study, researchers surveyed more than 12,000 U.S. adults ages 20 and older, asking them what they ate the previous day, and calculating their daily consumption of sodium and potassium. The participants were followed for 14 years, and 433 died from heart attacks. In addition to the increased risk of high sodium and low potassium, the study also found ill effects from high sodium alone. People who consumed 5 grams a day had nearly twice the risk of dying from a heart attack as people who ate 2 grams a day during the follow-up period. Some experts found the results interesting, but also noted several limitations of the study. Results are based on what people said they ate on just one day of their life. That day may not have been typical and it may not be representative of their diet in the years since, noted Dr. Robert Eckel, a UniSee POTASSIUM, page 7

Hypnosis can replace general anesthesia By Maria Cheng As the surgeons cut into her neck, Marianne Marquis was thinking of the beach. As she heard the doctors’ voices, she was imagining her toes in the sand, the water lapping. Marquis had been hypnotized before surgery to have her thyroid removed. She’s among a growing number of surgical patients at the Belgian hospital, Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc in Brussels, who choose hypnosis and a local anesthetic to avoid the groggy knockout effect of general anesthesia. These patients are sedated but aware, and doctors say their recovery time is faster and their need for painkillers reduced. This method is feasible for only certain types of operations. In her case, Marquis, 53, imagined herself in a field near a beach — which her anesthetist began describing by whispering into her ear about 10 minutes before surgery. She remembers hearing the doctors talk to her, but said it was as if they were far away. “I was imagining squishing my toes in

the sand and feeling water come up over them,” Marquis said. She felt a little pressure on her neck with the first incision but said it wasn’t painful. Since doctors began offering hypnosis at the hospital in 2003, hundreds of patients have chosen it. At another Belgian hospital, more than 8,000 surgeries have been done this way since 1992.

Sense of pain diminished Doctors say nearly any surgery usually done with a local anesthetic could work with hypnosis and less pain medicine. Proponents say hypnosis can dull patients’ sense of pain and that it also cuts down on the need for anesthetic. That means patients recover faster and hospitals save money, according to some studies. But it may require doctors to spend more time with patients beforehand to do the hypnosis and they may need more careful monitoring during surgery. The technique has become increasingly popular in France and Belgium in recent years. Some plastic and facial surgeons in Germany also use hypnosis, as do some

British dental surgeons. The French Society of Anesthesiologists describes hypnosis as a valid way to supplement anesthesia to reduce stress, anxiety and pain. But neither the Belgian nor British anesthesiology groups offer specific hypnosis advice. Because of demand, the French Society of Anesthesiologists created a special hypnosis branch in their organization last year. There are no figures on how widely hypnosis is used across Europe. In several of the nearly dozen French hospitals in Rennes, a northwest city of about 200,000 people, it’s used in about half of all operations, said Claude Virot, a psychiatrist and director of the Institute of Research and Training in Therapeutic Communication there. Virot helps organize hypnosis training and said about 500 health professionals get it every year in France. Dr. Fabienne Roelants, Marquis’ anesthetist, described hypnosis as a modified state of consciousness. “The patient’s mind goes to a pleasant place, but the body stays in the operating room.” At Roelants’ hospital, one-third of all sur-

geries to remove thyroids and one-quarter of all breast cancer surgeries, including biopsies and mastectomies, use hypnosis and a local anesthetic. She and colleagues hope to expand the technique to procedures like hernias, knee arthroscopies and plastic surgeries. Roelants said if patients feel any pain during the procedure, anesthetists immediately give them a painkiller shot. During a recent procedure in Brussels where Christel Place, 43, had her thyroid removed, she furrowed her brow a couple of times to signal to Roelants she needed more drugs. In a green-lit room that helps relax the patients, Place pictured herself hiking in the French Alps while surgeons sliced her neck open. The thyroid is a small gland at the bottom of the neck and makes hormones to control the body’s metabolism. It is sometimes removed when it becomes enlarged, overactive or cancerous. The surgery can be done either with local or general anesthesia and is considered low-risk. See HYPNOSIS, page 8

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Is sodium so bad, after all? Health officials have increasingly pushed the public to reduce their salt intake, but the CDC study comes in the midst of some scientific back and forth over how dangerous dietary salt is. In a recent review of seven smaller studies, other researchers found no strong evidence that people with high or normal blood pressure reduce their risk of death by reducing sodium consumption. That review, by the Cochrane Collaboration, had

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Learn more about the area’s housing options Check the boxes of communities from whom you would like to receive information and mail or fax this form. Washington D.C. ❏Forest Side Assisted Living (See ad on page 23) ❏Friendship Terrace (See ad on page 20) ❏Methodist Home of D.C. (See ad on page 43) ❏St. Mary’s Court (See ad on page 18)

Maryland ❏Brooke Grove (See ad on page 11) ❏Charter House (See ad on page 33) ❏Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 55) ❏Country Meadows (See ad on page 35) ❏Covenant Village (See ad on page 59) ❏Emerson House (See ad on page 59) ❏Homecrest House (See ad on page 36) ❏Mrs. Philippines Home (See ad on page 59) ❏Park View at Bladensburg (See ad on page 40) ❏Park View at Columbia (See ad on page 40) ❏Park View at Ellicott City (See ad on page 40) ❏Park View at Laurel (See ad on page 40) ❏Renaissance Gardens Riderwood (See ad on page 22) ❏Riderwood Village (See ad on page 20) ❏Shriner Court (See ad on page 59) ❏Springvale Terrace (See ad on page 16) ❏Village at Rockville (See ad on page 14)

Virginia ❏Ashby Ponds (See ad on page 20) ❏Chancellor’s Village (See ad on page 31) ❏Chesterbrook Residences (See ad on page 16) ❏Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 12) ❏Forest Glen (See ad on page 8) ❏Goodwin House (See ad on page 7) ❏Greenspring Village (See ad on page 20) ❏Olley Glen Retirement Community (See ad on page 18) ❏Quantum Affordable Apts. (See ad on page 59) ❏Renaissance Gardens Greenspring (See ad on page 22) ❏Sommerset (See ad on page 24) ❏The Virginian (See ad on back page) ❏The Woodlands (See ad on page 9) Name________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________________________

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Or fax to (301) 949-8966.

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versity of Colorado heart expert. Also, it’s an observational study that shows an apparent link, not the kind of rigorous scientific study used to prove cause and effect, he added.

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From page 6

limitations because of its size. Still, it prompted the Salt Institute — an industry group — to call government policy on reducing salt consumption ill-advised. “In light of this, and other recent research, it is time for the government to cease its costly and wasteful efforts to reduce salt consumption until it can conclusively prove a tangible benefit for all consumers. This can only be done through a large-scale clinical trial on the impact of dietary salt reduction on health outcomes,” said Lori Roman, the Salt Institute’s president, in a statement. Alice Lichtenstein, a Tufts University nutrition scientist, said the attention on salt has created a lot of backlash. The CDC study “is a confirmation that dietary salt does matter, and all these public health efforts and the dietary guidelines are appropriate,” she said. — AP

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Hypnosis From page 6 Place said waking up from the surgery was more abrupt than she’d expected. “It was like I was really in the mountains and then ‘poof,’ it was over,” Place said, laughing.

Some caveats Other experts caution that hypnosis would be impossible in major operations involving the heart or other internal organs because the pain would be unbearable. “If hypnosis doesn’t work and you’ve got somebody’s abdomen or chest open, then

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

you’re in big trouble,” said George Lewith, a professor of health research at Southampton University. “You need to be able to switch to another option immediately,” he said. Consistency is also an issue. “It’s not used routinely because it’s not effective in everyone and it takes a while,” said Dr. Mark Warner, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He said doctors would need extra time to conduct hypnosis and would need to work more closely with surgeons. Warner said there are no guidelines on its surgical use in the U.S. He often uses

Enjoy all that life has to offer At Forest Glen we combine the comforts of home with the retirement lifestyle you have always wanted. • Variety of floor plans • Fully equipped kitchens • Wall to wall carpeting

music therapy or asks patients to picture a soothing scene to distract them from any discomfort. “If we could get more research on the right patient groups that would benefit from (hypnosis), that would be wonderful,” he said. Some experts said hypnosis is a hard sell because no one really profits from it. “The problem is the money doesn’t really go into anyone’s hands, and the only person who really benefits from it is the patient,” said Guy Montgomery, an associate professor at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, who led a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2007. In that research, Montgomery and colleagues randomly assigned 200 patients in the U.S. having a breast biopsy or lumpec-

tomy to get either hypnosis or a brief session with a psychologist beforehand. They found hypnotized patients needed fewer painkillers and sedatives and required less time in surgery. On average, each hypnotized patient cost the hospital about $770 less than those who weren’t hypnotized. Marquis recommends hypnosis to patients who want to avoid anesthesia, but warned it isn’t for everyone. “You have to be in the right mental frame of mind for this, be properly prepared, and trust the medical staff to take care of you,” she said. “If you’re very skeptical of hypnosis and freaked out about whether it’s going to work, it probably won’t.” — AP

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Sept. 25+

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Participants learn more about the disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical trials, support programs and services. The walk in Northern Virginia is Sunday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m., starting in Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston, Va. The D.C. walk is Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon on the National Mall, starting at 15th St. and Constitution Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. To learn more about either walk, contact Sonya Amartey at (703) 359-4440 or email AlzWalkNCA@alz.org.

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Sept. 13+

INDEPENDENT LIVING

This upbeat six-week program of education, yoga and home safety information for older adults focuses on topics like preventing falls and fires, food safety, nutrition, and transportation. Fall sessions at the Braddock District Government Center, 9002 Burke Lake Rd., Burke, Va. are on Thursdays, running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. Programs at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, Va. are on Tuesdays, running Sept. 13 to Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Jennifer Edge at (703) 3247210, TTY 711 or email Jennifer.Edge@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Grandparents drive children more safely that didn’t seem to affect injury rates. Only about 10 percent of kids in the study were driven by grandparents, but they suffered proportionately fewer injuries. Overall, 1.05 percent of kids were injured when riding with parents, versus 0.70 percent of those riding with grandparents, or a 33 percent lower risk. The difference was even more pronounced — 50 percent — when the researchers took into account other things that could influence injury rates, including not using car seats, and older-model cars. Kids suffered similar types of injuries regardless of who was driving, including concussions, other head injuries and broken bones. The study does not include data on deaths, but Henretig said there were very few. It also lacked information on the types of car trips involved. For example, driving

in busy city traffic might increase chances for crashes with injuries. Schofer, the Northwestern professor, said other unstudied circumstances could have played a role. For example, grandparents could be less distracted and less fraz-

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By Lindsey Tanner Kids may be far safer in cars when grandma or grandpa are driving instead of mom or dad, according to study results that even made the researchers do a double-take. “We were surprised to discover that the injury rate was considerably lower in crashes where grandparents were the drivers,” said Dr. Fred Henretig, an emergency medicine specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the study’s lead author. Previous evidence indicates that car crashes are more common in older drivers, mostly those beyond age 65. The study, however, looked at injuries rather than who had more crashes. It found that children’s risk for injury was 50 percent lower when riding with grandparents than with parents. The study was released online in the journal Pediatrics.

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The results are from an analysis of State Farm insurance claims for car crashes in 15 states from 2003 to 2007, supplemented by interviews with the drivers. The data involved nearly 12,000 children up to age 15. Henretig, 64, said the study was prompted by his own experiences when his first grandchild was born three years ago. “I found myself being very nervous on the occasions that we drove our granddaughter around, and really wondered if anyone had ever looked at this before,” he said. Reasons for the unexpected findings are uncertain, but the researchers have a theory. “Perhaps grandparents are made more nervous about the task of driving with the ‘precious cargo’ of their grandchildren, and establish more cautious driving habits” to compensate for any age-related challenges, they wrote.

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Northwestern University Professor Joseph Schofer, a transportation expert not involved in the research, noted that the average age of grandparents studied was 58. “Grandparents today are not that old” and don’t fit the image of an impaired older driver, he said. “None of us should represent grandparents as kind of hobbling to the car on a walker.” Grandparents did flub one safety measure. Nearly all the kids were in car seats or seat belts, but grandparents were slightly less likely to follow recommended practices, which include rear-facing backseat car seats for infants and no front-seats. But

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

50+ Expos coming to Virginia, Maryland By Barbara Ruben This fall, the Beacon newspapers will present its 12th annual community education events — formerly called the InfoExpo, now named the 50+Expo — in both Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, Md. The free events, geared to people over 50 and those who love them, draw thousands of attendees to hear expert speakers, obtain information from a variety of exhibitors, and enjoy health screenings, computer education, entertainment and giveaways. On Sunday, Oct. 30, the 50+Expo will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Va. The following Sunday, Nov. 6, the event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at White Flint in N. Bethesda, Md.

Focus on Social Security This year’s speakers will focus on a par-

ticularly important topic: “The Future of Social Security and Medicare.” Addressing this issue at White Flint will be Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) (invited) and Charles P. Blahous, III, one of the two public Trustees for Social Security and Medicare. Blahous, a fellow at the Hoover Institution and the author of Social Security: The Unfinished Work, will describe the financial issues facing Social Security and Medicare and a variety of suggested changes being discussed. Senator Cardin will talk about Congressional efforts to keep the two public benefit programs secure. Both speakers will also take questions and comments from the attendees. At Ballston Mall, Blahous will also be speaking. Virginia’s senators have been contacted and a reply is still pending.

Entertainment at both locations will consist of toe-tapping music presented by The Music & Art Traveling Heart Show. The Baltimore-based band specializes in upbeat music from be-bop to rock that invites audience participation. Look for a story about the band on the cover of the October Beacon. Free health screenings, including blood pressure and glaucoma tests, will be provided at both locations. White Flint will also have Zumba Gold and seated exercise demonstrations. More than 100 local companies and organizations will be exhibiting at the two events — including healthcare and home care providers, housing communities, legal and financial advisors, remodelers, entertainment venues, travel services and more. Continuing this year at both locations will be a resource fair of government

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Parking and public transportation Ballston Common Mall offers access to a 3,000-space parking garage run by Arlington County. All-day parking on the weekend costs $1. The mall is two blocks from the Ballston Metro station on the Orange Line and is connected to the station via a skywalk from the mall’s second level. Parking is free and plentiful at White Flint, located about 1.5 miles north of the Beltway (I-495). The mall is about a half mile from the White Flint Metro stop on the Red Line. The 50+Expo is presented every fall as a community service by the Beacon Newspapers, with the support of sponsors CVS/ pharmacy, Comcast, AARP, Holy Cross Hospital, CareFirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield and other local businesses and organizations. Community partners, including local organizations, communities and businesses, are invited to help publicize the free events among their members and customers. Volunteers are needed to help during the expos for two-hour shifts. Limited exhibit and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call (301) 949-9766 for more information, or to become a community partner, volunteer, exhibitor or sponsor.

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and nonprofit agencies. At White Flint, introductory computer classes will also be offered, courtesy of the SeniorTech location operated by the Jewish Council for the Aging at the mall. Topics will include computer security (“Why would my computer become infected?”), using “cloud computing” to store data and utilize web-based services, and using Microsoft Office’s new “Ribbon Interface.” Many exhibitors will have free giveaways, and valuable door prizes will be presented throughout the day.

Sept. 13

DON’T TAKE A TUMBLE

Speak with Shawn Brennan, health programs coordinator for Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, about why falls can pose problems, and discuss ways to lessen your chances of taking a tumble. The free program will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Schweinhaut Senior Center at Forest

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Living Well Series Resumes with Fall Seminars Brooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV) will resume its Living Well Community Seminar Series in September, according to Director of Marketing Toni Davis. Designed to help participants navigate a variety of financial, healthcare and personal challenges, each of these free, monthly presentations will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in the terrace level conference room of Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Each seminar will be preceded by a complimentary lite supper beginning at 6:30 p.m. Returning by popular demand, Holistic Pharmacist Brian Sanderoff, director and principal owner of the Well Being Healing Center and Holistic Pharmacy in Hunt Valley, Maryland, will present “The Holistic Approach to AntiAging” on Thursday, September 29. Listeners will gain a new understanding of how genes play a role in the development of disease or dysfunction and an appreciation of how to influence positive change. Diet, exercise, herbs, vitamins and relaxation techniques can all be used to help our bodies work better and longer and allow for a more productive lifetime. Join Chef Bonita Woods of the Bonita Woods Wellness Institute on Thursday, October 20, for “Dining for Vibrant Health” and learn how to turn meals into a fun and healthactivating adventure! “You are what you eat” is a phrase to live by, especially for seniors. Every meal has the ability to add to our health and well-being. Participants will learn how food impacts the body and become empowered to use it as

a delicious tool for health. Leta Blank, program director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program, will take the podium on Wednesday, November 9, to discuss “Medicare 2012: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Benefits.” Discover the answers to questions such as “What do Medicare A and B cover? Do I need Part C? How does Medicare Part D (the prescription drug program) work? Medicare doesn’t pay for everything, so what else do I need?” Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is located at 18131 Slade School Road on BGRV’s Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus. For information and reservations, contact Ms. Davis at 301-358-0721 or tdavis@bgf.org by the Monday prior to each seminar.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Falls, eye problems may herald Alzheimer’s By Marilynn Marchione Scientists in Australia are reporting encouraging early results from a simple eye test they hope will give a noninvasive way to detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Although it has been tried on just a small number of people and more research is needed, the experimental test has a solid basis: Alzheimer’s is known to cause changes in the eyes, not just the brain. Other scientists in the United States also are working on an eye test for detecting the disease. A separate study found that falls might be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s. People who seemed to have healthy minds, but who were discovered to have hidden plaques clogging their brains, were five times more likely to fall during the study than those without these brain deposits, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Both studies were discussed at the

Alzheimer’s Association International Conference this summer in France. More than 5.4 million Americans and 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. It has no cure and drugs only temporarily ease symptoms, so finding it early mostly helps patients and their families prepare and arrange care. Brain scans can find evidence of Alzheimer’s a decade or more before it causes memory and thinking problems, but they’re too expensive and impractical for routine use. A simple eye test and warning signs like falls could be a big help.

Clues from the retina The eye study involved photographing blood vessels in the retina, the nerve layer lining the back of the eyes. Most eye doctors have the cameras used for this, but it takes a special comput-

er program to measure blood vessels for the experimental test doctors are using in the Alzheimer’s research, said the study’s leader, Shaun Frost of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. Researchers compared retinal photos of 110 healthy people, 13 people with Alzheimer’s and 13 others with mild cognitive impairment, or “pre-Alzheimer’s,” who were taking part in a larger study on aging. The widths of certain blood vessels in those with Alzheimer’s were different from vessels in the others, and the amount of difference matched the amount of plaque seen on brain scans. More study is planned on larger groups to see how accurate the test might be, Frost said. Earlier work by Dr. Lee Goldstein of Boston University showed that amyloid, the protein that makes up Alzheimer’s brain plaque, can be measured in the lens of the

eyes of some people with the disease, particularly Down syndrome patients who often are prone to Alzheimer’s. A company he holds stock in, Neuroptix, is testing a laser eye scanner to measure amyloid in the eyes. Goldstein praised the work by the Australian scientists. “It’s a small study” but “suggestive and encouraging,” he said. “My hat’s off to them for looking outside the brain for other areas where we might see other evidence of this disease.” Eye doctors often are the first to see patients with signs of Alzheimer’s, which can start with vision changes, not just the memory problems the disease is most known for, said Dr. Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic dementia expert with no role in the new studies.

More falls, more risk Other signs could be balance and gait See ALZHEIMER’S, page 14

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The warning signs of Alzheimer’s: • Memory loss that disrupts daily life • Trouble planning or solving problems • Difficulty completing tasks • Confusion with time or place • Trouble understanding images and spatial relationships • New problems with speaking or writing words • Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps • Decreased or poor judgment • Social withdrawal • Changes in mood or personality — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Dementia’s link with vision, hearing loss By Janet Morrison It is no secret that as we age, our senses — vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch — become less reliable. The most dramatic changes occur in our eyes and ears, which together provide about 93 percent of our sensory input. Recent research suggests an independent association of hearing and/or vision loss with cognitive decline. Cognition is the scientific term for mental processes. It refers to our information-processing abilities, including perception, learning, remembering, judging, and problem-solving, as well as the ability to plan, perform and control our actions. A recent Johns Hopkins study conducted by Dr. Frank Lin, assistant professor of otology, neurotology and skull-based surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Center on Aging & Health, and colleagues demonstrated an association between hearing loss and the development of dementia. It also showed that the more severe the hearing loss, the stronger the link with cognitive decline due to social isolation. Lin also suggested, “Maybe there’s a common pathway leading to both hearing loss and dementia.” Statistics from the National Institute for Deafness & Communication Disorders (NIDCD/NIH) indicate that there are almost 28 million Americans over age 65

with some degree of hearing loss. “Today’s statistics are astonishing, and the numbers will explode by 2030 when the number of people over 65 will double,” Lin said. “Rehabilitative strategies are critically needed to confront the newly discovered association between hearing loss and the progression of dementia/cognitive decline.”

One loss leads to others Dr. Robert W. Massof is professor of neuroscience and ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the founding director of the Lions Vision Research & Rehabilitation Center at Wilmer Eye Institute. According to Massof’s research, even small changes in vision and hearing are magnified in older people because of other conditions they may have, both physical and emotional. “This is what I refer to as an ‘increased medical load,’ which can contribute to significant cognitive changes,” Massof said. “For example, there is an age-related neurodegeneration that occurs in everyone, which slows reaction time and interferes with muscle control and coordination. “These neurodegenerative changes force older people to rely more on vision to control mobility and maintain balance. So even small amounts of visual impairment push the older person close to or past the ‘tipping point’ —

pun intended — for recovering from missteps and preventing falls,” Massof said.

Program explores issues The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington will sponsor a program featuring these and other doctors discussing their research on Sept. 18 at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Massof and Lin with both speak, as will Dr. Wai Wong, retina research scientist at National Eye Institute. “This program’s goal is to demystify sensory loss by offering a multidisciplinary presentation that separates myth from fact regarding vision and hearing loss and their effect on cognition,” said Michele Hartlove, executive director of the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington.

“The expert speakers will provide takehome messages that can empower individuals to assist themselves in identifying their own needs as well as those of their friends and loved ones.” The program, which is co-sponsored by the Beacon, will be held Sunday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sibley Memorial Hospital’s new Medical Building, at 5215 Loughboro Rd., N.W., Washington, DC. The program is free, and complimentary parking will be available (but only in the parking garage adjacent to the Medical Building). Participants may register by visiting www.sibley.org or calling (202) 234-1010. Janet Morrison is a low vision advocate with the Aging Eye and Macular Degeneration Network.

Free Hearing Tests set for

Greater Washington Area Age 55+ Free electronic hearing tests will be given from Monday, September 19 through Friday, September 23 at select locations in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Tests have been arranged for anyone who suspects they are losing their hearing. Such persons generally say they can hear but cannot understand words. Testing with the latest computerized equipment will indicate if you can be helped. Everyone, especially adults over 55, should have an electronic hearing test at least once a year. If there is a hearing problem, hearing tests may reveal that newly developed methods of correction will help, even for those who have been told in the past that a hearing aid would not help them. If you suspect you have hearing loss, call for a free hearing test appointment. Our licensed specialists are trained in the latest auditory testing methods and will be the first ones to tell you if you don’t need a hearing aid. If you do have a hearing loss, we will explain your results and provide you with a list of options.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Robotic surgery may not be better choice By Dr. Richard A. Hodin Q. A hospital in the area is advertising robotic surgery. Is it really any better than having a surgeon do the operation? A. A better term might be robotic instrumentation, because ultimately, there’s always a human surgeon with his or her hands on the robot’s controls. The first such surgery was performed in the mid1980s. Now thousands of operations are being done with the assistance of robots.

Even without robots, a lot of surgery is less hands-on than it used to be. For decades, surgeons have been doing many common abdominal operations, like gallbladder removals, with laparoscopes — tube-like instruments with video cameras on the ends — and long-handled surgical instruments, all of which are inserted through small incisions. Surgeons watch magnified images on video monitors to see what they are doing so they can guide the surgical instruments.

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There was a learning curve, but laparoscopic surgery is actually easier to perform in some ways than surgery done with direct visualization through large incisions and with instruments that bring the surgeon’s hands in closer contact with the tissue that’s being operated on. And the smaller incisions of laparoscopic surgery have made a big difference for patients: There’s less pain and scarring, and people usually recover much faster, so hospital stays are shorter.

Robotic surgery is being touted by some as the next generation of laparoscopic surgery. In the most common setup, surgeons don’t stand at the operating table, but instead sit and watch a video console that displays three-dimensional images. They use computer controllers to guide the large robotic arms that maneuver the surgical instruments inside the body.

Alzheimer’s

“Falls are tricky” because they can be medication-related or due to dizziness from high blood pressure, a blood vessel problem, or other diseases like Parkinson’s, said Creighton Phelps, a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging. Falls also can cause head injury or brain trauma that leads to cognitive problems, said Laurie Ryan, who oversees some of the institute’s research grants but had no role in the study. Older people who hit their heads and suffer a small tear or bleeding in the brain might seem fine but develop symptoms a month later, she said. The bottom line: “If you see somebody who’s having falls for no particular reason,” the person should be evaluated for dementia, said William Thies, the Alzheimer’s Association’s scientific director. — AP

From page 12 problems, which may show up before mental changes do. Susan Stark of Washington University in St. Louis led the first study tying falls to a risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease before mental changes show up. It involved 125 people, average age 74, who had normal cognition and were taking part in a federally funded study of aging. They kept journals on how often they fell, and had brain scans and spinal taps to look for various substances that can signal Alzheimer’s disease. In six months, 48 fell at least once. The risk of falling was nearly three times greater for each unit of increase in the sticky plaque that scans revealed in their brains.

See ROBOTIC SURGERY, page 16

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Ways to prevent and treat varicose veins fade and disappear. This is mostly used to close off smaller varicose veins. • Endovenous thermal ablation uses the heat from lasers or radio waves to close off larger varicose veins. • Vein stripping involves tying shut and removing large varicose veins through small cuts in the skin. Vein stripping was commonly used in the past. But now it’s mostly recommended for people who aren’t good candidates for endovenous thermal ablation. • Ambulatory phlebectomy involves making tiny cuts to remove small veins close to the skin’s surface. It’s often done at the same time as endovenous thermal ablation or vein stripping. Another option, endoscopic vein surgery, is typically used only for varicose veins that are causing skin ulcers. Although most procedures used to treat

varicose veins can be done on an outpatient basis, be sure to ask about health risks, possible side effects and needed recovery time. You may also want to inquire about insurance coverage. Most policies don’t cover the cost of purely cosmetic procedures. Howev-

er, insurance may cover treatments used to relieve pain, swelling, or other signs and symptoms of varicose veins. © 2011 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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By Dr. Robert McBane Dear Mayo Clinic: Is it possible to treat varicose veins? I have several that don’t bother me much, but a few that are slightly painful. Veins anywhere in the body can become enlarged and twisted (varicose), but varicose veins most commonly occur in the legs and feet. Age, pregnancy, obesity or work that involves standing for long periods can all increase the risk of developing varicose veins. So can genetics and your gender. If other family members had varicose veins, there’s a greater chance you will, too. Women also are more likely to develop this problem than are men. Varicose veins are sometimes viewed as just a cosmetic concern. Most varicose veins are dark purple or blue in color. They can also bulge out from under the skin, making them quite noticeable. However, varicose veins can cause other problems, including an achy or heavy feeling in your legs. Some people also experience throbbing, cramping or mild swelling in the lower legs — especially after standing for long periods of time. More-serious complications are rare. But varicose veins can sometimes lead to an itchy skin rash (dermatitis) and cause open sores (skin ulcers) to develop. Occasionally, blood clots may develop in a vein and cause pain, tenderness and swelling. Talk to your doctor if you have varicose veins and notice a change in how your legs feel, have skin discoloration, or have swelling in your legs. Skin ulcers and sudden, painful swelling should receive immediate medical attention. Depending on your signs and symptoms, varicose veins may be treated with lifestyle changes, medical procedures or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes are recommended for mild symptoms because they can reduce discomfort and keep varicose veins from getting worse. These include not staying in one position for hours on end, elevating your legs above your heart a few times a day, and doing any physical activity that gets your legs moving. Losing weight, if necessary, also may help. Your doctor also may recommend that you wear compression stockings. These create gentle pressure up the leg, which can keep blood from pooling in the legs and decrease swelling. If your varicose veins don’t respond to these treatments, or if your veins are causing severe problems, your doctor may suggest one or more of these procedures: • Sclerotherapy uses a chemical injected into a varicose vein to cause irritation and scarring. Several treatments may be needed to completely close off a vein and allow it to fade. • Laser therapy uses strong bursts of light directed at a vein, making it slowly

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Poll asks what boomers think about aging By Connie Cass and Stacy A. Anderson Baby boomers say wrinkles aren’t so bad and they’re not that worried about dying. Just don’t call them “old.” The generation that once powered a youth movement isn’t ready to symbolize the aging of America, even as its first members are becoming eligible for Medicare.

A new poll finds three-quarters of all baby boomers still consider themselves middle-aged or younger, and that includes most of the boomers who are ages 57-65. Younger adults call 60 the start of old age, but baby boomers are pushing that number back, according to the Associated PressLifeGoesStrong.com poll. The median age

they cite is 70. And a quarter of boomers insist you’re not old until you’re 80. “In my 20s, I would have thought the 60s were bad, but they’re not so bad at all,” said 64-year-old Lynn Brown, a retired legal assistant and grandmother of 11 living near Phoenix in Apache Junction, Ariz. The 77 million boomers are celebrating their 47th through 65th birthdays this year.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 17

A positive view of aging FREE PROSTATE SCREENING Georgetown University Hospital is recognizing Prostate Cancer

Awareness Month by offering eligible men a free prostate cancer screening checkup on Saturday Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. All healthy men over the age of 35, with a recommended age limit of 75, should be screened. The screening will consist of blood testing to determine PSA (prostate specific antigen) level, total cholesterol and a digital rectal exam (DRE) to be performed by physicians. The hospital is located at 3800 Reservoir Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. Free parking is available. To schedule an appointment, call (202) 342-2400 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Overall, they’re upbeat about their futures. Americans born in the population explosion after World War II are more likely to be excited about the positive aspects of aging, such as retirement, than worried about the negatives, like declining health. A third of those polled feel confident about growing older, almost twice as many as those finding it frustrating or sad. Sixteen percent report they’re happy about aging, about equal to the number who say they’re afraid. Most expect to live longer than their parents. “I still think I’ve got years to go to do things,” said Robert Bechtel, 64, of Virginia Beach, Va. He retired last year after nearly

Robotic surgery From page 14

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The machines are expensive to buy (the price tag is well over $1 million) and operate (disposable instruments are used for each operation).

Benefits not proven It’s impressive technology, but what are the benefits? Unfortunately, up to this point, there’s remarkably little, if any, evidence that robotic surgery helps the patient or the surgeon. For example, studies comparing robotic with standard laparoscopic approaches for prostate surgery haven’t shown any real improvements in recovery times or in reducing the incidence of impotence or urinary problems. Yet more hospitals are buying these machines, not out of any real medical need or demonstrated advantage, but because of

four decades as a retail manager. Now Bechtel has less stress and more time to do what he pleases, including designing a bunk bed for his grandchildren, remodeling a bathroom and teaching Sunday school. A strong majority of baby boomers are enthusiastic about some perks of aging — watching their children or grandchildren grow up, doing more with friends and family, and getting time for favorite activities. About half say they’re highly excited about retirement. Boomers most frequently offered “the wisdom accumulated over their lives” as the best thing about aging.

Chief concern: health “The older you get, the smarter you get,” said Glenn Farrand, 62, of Ankeny, Iowa. But, he adds, “The physical part of it is the pits.” Baby boomers most often brought up failing health or fading physical abilities when asked to name the worst thing about getting older. Among their top worries: physical ailSee BOOMERS, page 18

smart, skillful marketing by the companies that make them. Once a hospital has robotic surgery equipment, it needs to justify the cost by marketing it to the public. That’s why you are seeing ads from the hospital in your area. Surgeons are now using the machines to perform cardiac, rectal, thyroid and other operations. Surgeons at the hospital where I work, Massachusetts General Hospital, are doing robotic surgery, too. I’ll keep an open mind. There may be some benefit. But so far, I think much of robotic surgery has been a costly experiment in marketing that has mainly benefited the companies that make the machines. In healthcare, we have to resist falling into the trap that newer is always better. © 2011 President and fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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Boomers From page 16 ments that would take away their independence (deeply worrisome to 45 percent), losing their memory (44 percent), and being unable to pay medical bills (43 percent). Many also fret about running out of money (41 percent). Only 18 percent say they worry about dying. Another 22 percent are “moderately” concerned about it. More than twothirds expect to live to at least age 76; 1 in 6 expects to make it into the 90s. About half predict a better quality of life

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

for themselves than their parents experienced as they aged. “My own parents, by the time they were 65 to 70, were very, very inactive and very much old in their minds,” said Brown. So they “sat around the house and didn’t go anywhere.” “I have no intentions of sitting around the house,” said Brown, whose hobbies include motorcycle rides with her husband. “I’m enjoying being a senior citizen more than my parents did.” But a minority of boomers — about a fourth — worry that things will be harder for them than for the previous generation. “I think we’ll have less,” said Vicki

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Mooney, 62, of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., who fears older people will be pinched by cuts to Social Security and Medicare and rising healthcare costs. “The main difference in the quality of life is wondering if we will have a safety net.” Baby boomers with higher incomes generally are more optimistic about aging than their poorer peers. Women tend to feel sunnier than men; college graduates are more positive than those without a degree. A third of baby boomers say their health has declined in the last five years, and that group is more likely to express fear or frustration about aging. Still, most boomers rate themselves in good or even excellent health overall, with less than 1 in 10 doing poorly.

The vanity factor Looking older is seriously bugging just 12 percent of baby boomers. The vast majority say they wouldn’t get plastic surgery. That includes Johanna Taisey, 61, of Chandler, Ariz., who said aging is “no problem at all ... it’s just nature. Age with dignity,” she advises. Among the 1 in 5 who have had or would consider cosmetic surgery, about half say they might improve their tummy or eyes. A sagging chin is the next biggest worry — nearly 40 percent would consider getting that fixed. Only 5 percent of baby boomers say

they might use the chemical Botox to temporarily smooth away wrinkles; 17 percent would consider laser treatments to fix varicose veins. But boomers, especially women, are taking some steps to look younger. A majority of the women — 55 percent — regularly dye their hair, and they overwhelmingly say it’s to cover gray. Only 5 percent of the men admit using hair color. A quarter of the women have paid more than $25 for an anti-aging skincare product, such as a lotion or night cream. Just 5 percent of the men say they’ve bought skincare that expensive. Almost all baby boomers — 90 percent — have tried to eat better. Three-quarters say they’re motivated more by a desire to improve their health than their appearance. Most boomers — 57 percent — say in the past year they’ve taken up a regular program of exercise. About the same number do mental exercises, such as crossword puzzles or video games, to stay sharp. The AP-LifeGoesStrong.com poll involved online interviews with 1,416 adults, including 1,078 baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964. The margin of sampling error for results from the full sample is plus or minus 4.4 percentage points; for the boomers, it is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. —AP

BEACON BITS

Sept. 18

JEWELRY AND CRAFT SALE SUPPORT CANCER PROGRAM

A jewelry, crafts and fashion open house, including jewelry appraisal, will be held to benefit Hope Connections for Cancer Support’s free programs of emotional support, education and hope for people with cancer and those close to them. This free event, Sunday, Sept. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. will feature jewelry and crafts by local artists and fashions by Ibhana Creations. NovaGold will be on site to appraise and purchase gold, silver and heirloom pieces. The open house will be held at 5430 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, Md. For more information, contact (301) 493-5002 or info@hopeconnectionsforcancer.org.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Walking slows brain loss, boosts memory Some memory loss is normal as people age, as any middle-aged person who’s spent an hour looking for misplaced car keys can attest. But by age 65, more than half of adults say they’re concerned about memory problems. Although it’s still impossible to prevent neurological disorders that contribute to memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s disease and most other dementias, one recent study adds to the evidence that engaging in regular physical exercise protects against normal age-related memory decline. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh recruited 120 adults, ages 55 to 80, and randomly assigned them to one of two groups. One group walked briskly for 40 minutes per day, three times a week, while the other performed stretching exercises for the same amount of time. One year later, participants in both

groups were more physically fit than they were when the study began, but the walkers improved significantly more than those who did stretching exercises. Likewise, while scores on a memory test improved in both groups, the walking group improved more than the other group. Moreover, test scores correlated closely to findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans taken at the start of the study and one year later. The MRI scans revealed that the hippocampus — a structure in the brain involved in the processing and storage of memories — increased by 2 percent in the walkers, but decreased by 1.4 percent in the people who did stretching exercises. The larger the hippocampus — whether the participant was assigned to walking or stretching — the better his or her score on the memory test. In older adults, the hippocampus tends

BEACON BITS

Sept. 18

FRIENDSHIP TERRACE OPEN HOUSE

Check out Friendship Terrace senior living community’s $5.2 million renovation at its open house on Sunday, Sept. 18 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Refreshments and tours of the community will be available. Friendship Terrace is located at 4201 Butterworth Place, N.W., Washington, D.C., two blocks from Tenleytown Metro. For more information, call (202) 244-7400.

to shrink by 1 to 2 percent per year — which likely contributes to age-related memory loss. This study provides evidence that hippocampal shrinkage — and memory loss — may not be inevitable.

Keeping physically fit, and especially engaging in aerobic activities like brisk walking, apparently not only exercises physical muscle but also boosts brain power. — Harvard Mental Health Letter

BEACON BITS

Sept. 13

HEALTHY COOKING

A free monthly cooking course, Sustainable Table, teaches you how to take advantage of in-season produce and herbs to create healthful and complete meals. Each class focuses on one common and one atypical ingredient, and participants take home copies of the recipes. The meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Accokeek Foundation Education Center, 3400 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek, Md. from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Call (301) 283-2113 or email accofound@accokeek.org to learn more.

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Health Studies Page

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Diabetes drug could ease asthma attacks By Barbara Ruben While many asthma patients are helped by medications currently available, some who suffer severe attacks are still left gasping for breath. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., and Fairfax Inova Hospital in Falls Church, Va., are now studying a diabetes drug called Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride) in hopes it can also help with asthma attacks. The study is open to individuals between 18 and 75 years old who have been diagnosed with and treated for severe

asthma for at least one year. Potential participants in the year-long study will have a screening visit to determine if they are eligible for the study. The visit will involve breathing tests, chest Xrays, heart and lung monitoring and blood tests.

Volunteers to try study drug Eligible participants will give a full medical history and will answer a series of questionnaires about their quality of life with asthma. During the first four weeks of the study,

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patients will record lung function and asthma symptoms every morning and evening. At the end of this period, patients will be evaluated with breathing, allergy and blood tests, as well as questionnaires. Patients will also provide a sputum sample. Over the next 16 weeks, patients will receive regular doses of either Actos or a placebo, which contains no active ingredients. Patients will return to NIH every four weeks for tests. During the next phase of the study, patients stop taking the drug or placebo for four weeks, while recording their symptoms and undergoing tests. After this “wash out” period, patients who received placebo will be given the study drug, and the other group will get the placebo for the next 16 weeks. Patients will return to NIH every four weeks for tests. After completing this phase, patients will stop taking the drug or placebo and return to NIH four weeks later for final tests.

Who may qualify? To qualify for the study, patients must have a diagnosis of severe, refractory asthma for at least a year that has responded to

inhaled bronchodilators at some point. However, participants cannot have experienced an asthma attack requiring additional treatment with oral corticosteroids in the previous six weeks, or a life-threatening asthma attack requiring cardiopulmonary support in the previous six months. They cannot have smoked in the last 12 months or have a history of smoking longer than 10 years in the past. Volunteers also cannot take part in the study if they have a history of lung disease other than asthma, such as COPD or sarcoidosis. They also cannot have a history of diabetes, congestive heart failure, HIV/AIDS, or a history of bladder or colon cancer. Participants cannot use a number of medicines that interact with pioglitazone, including Dilantin, Seconal and Bactrim. While compensation is not available for the study, all study medication and tests are free of charge. For more information, contact NIH’s Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at (800) 411-1222 or email prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov. Refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00994175.

BEACON BITS

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Sept. 13+

CAREGIVER TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUP

Get helpful information and share experiences while gaining emotional support during the Telephone Support Group for Family Caregivers of Older Adults. The phone-in group take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. The Sept. 13 meeting deals with changing roles within the family. To register or for more information, call (703) 324-5484, TTY 711.

Join us in celebrating the completion of our $5.2 million renovation!

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Leroy Jenkins Erickson Living® Resident

Since he moved into an Erickson Living community, Leroy is exploring new hobbies, meeting new people and enjoying more fun and freedom than ever before.

Sunday, S undayy, S unday, unda September eptember 18 • 1:30 1:30 p.m. p.m. - 3 3:30 :30 p p.m. (program at 2:30 p.m.) Parking will be available on the street and at St. Columba’s. Located two blocks from Tenleytown Metro.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Chinese herbs may help Parkinson’s, IBS By Wendy Zukerman A hooked herb, root extract and a dash of bark — it may sound like a witch’s brew, but these mainstays of Chinese medicine could provide treatments for diseases that have foiled Western doctors, such as Parkinson’s and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). “In the past, the pharmaceutical industry didn’t put much effort into traditional Chinese medicine,” said Jing Kang, a biochemist at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass. “More people are now paying attention.” For more than 2,000 years, Chinese doctors have treated Parkinson’s-like symptoms with gou teng, an herb with hook-like branches. Early this year, 115 people with Parkinson’s were given a combination of Chinese medical herbs, including gou teng, or a placebo for 13 weeks. At the end of the study, volunteers who’d taken the herbs slept better and had more fluent speech.

How herbs help Li Min, a traditional Chinese doctor at Hong Kong Baptist University who was not involved in the study, thinks she knows how it works. Parkinson’s is caused by the destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine. Studies have suggested this destruction is caused by an abundance of a protein called alpha-synuclein. Those studies triggered interest in substances that get rid of the protein by encouraging the programmed cell death — autophagy — of the cells that contain it. Min’s team has found one such substance, the alkaloid isorhy, present in gou teng. It induced autophagy at a similar rate to a drug called rapamycin, which has recently been touted as a candidate for Parkinson’s treatment. However, because rapamycin depresses

the immune system, it would have serious side effects, whereas gou teng has been taken for centuries with no apparent ill effects. Min, who presented her results at the Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology in May in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, will begin trials of synthesized isorhy in rodents later this year.

Meanwhile, Zhaoxiang Bian, also at Hong Kong Baptist University, is developing a drug called JCM-16021 for IBS using seven herbal plants, based on a formulation called tong xie yao fang, which has been used to treat IBS in China since the 1300s. IBS affects up to 20 percent of people, causing abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea, said John Furness at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Stress management can help, but there’s no effective medicine for it. In 2007, Bian gave 80 people with IBS either JCM-16021 together with Holopon — a drug that interrupts nerve impulses responsible for digestion — or Holopon alone. After eight weeks, 52 percent of those given JCM-16021 with Holopon had reduced IBS symptoms, compared with 32 percent of those given just Holopon. IBS is partly caused by high levels of serotonin in the gut. Last year, Bian found that giving JCM-16021 to rats with IBS-like symptoms broke down serotonin in their bowel faster than normal, reducing their discomfort. His team has since isolated several compounds in JCM-16021 that block serotonin’s activity in the rat gut, including magnolol, an herb taken from magnolia trees (World Journal of Gastroenterology). Conventional drugs target only one as-

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Should I use a stability ball for exercising? Q: Does exercising with those big plastic balls I see in gyms really provide any special benefits? A: Stability balls — inflatable plastic balls usually ranging from 18 to 30 inches in diameter — aren’t essential for fitness, but they are inexpensive options and can add benefits to the exercises you do. Here’s how: When you lie with the ball under the small of your back, with feet on the floor holding you steady, the abdominal, back and leg muscles that make up your “core” automatically start working to keep you from rolling off. And when you use a stability ball for abdominal crunches (like sit-ups), this extra muscle work, combined with the extra distance you can roll backward compared to

doing crunches flat on the floor, provides additional benefits because of the extra challenge to muscles. You can also use a stability ball behind your back as you stand with your back to a wall, sliding up and down into squats. As part of stretching routines, the balls can allow for a greater stretch. You can also use the balls in place of an exercise bench for strength-training exercises in which you lie on your back (such as chest presses and tricep extensions) or face-down (such as flies). When using the ball, other muscles are actively engaged to keep your balance, and you are able to extend motions farther than if you were simply lying on the floor. Keeping your balance can be a bit tricky

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at first, so it can be helpful to view a video A: Some research suggests that weighing for stability ball exercise technique before yourself regularly can help you reach and you start, or check YouTube. maintain a healthy weight, both Most balls are sold as 45, as a reminder to continue be55, 65 or 75 centimeters, and havior changes you make, and you need a ball sized correctly as a way of catching and reversfor your frame. Fully inflated, ing small weight gains before when you sit on it with your they become big ones. feet flat on the floor, your The frequency of weight knees should form a right checks that is most helpful is angle so that your thighs are still an unanswered question, parallel to the floor. although a recent review of Q: I heard that coffee is six studies concluded that one of the top sources of NUTRITION somewhere between daily potassium in the U.S. diet. Is WISE and weekly weight checks can coffee high in potassium? support weight loss and deBy Karen Collins, A: No, coffee is not nearly as MS, RD, CDM crease weight regain. high in potassium as many Clearly, it does no good to other foods. Coffee is one of the weigh yourself more than top five sources of potassium for U.S. adults, once a day. All you see are shifts in water but that’s because we drink so much of it and balance, and checking weight this often is we don’t eat enough of the foods that are the a mark of someone possibly becoming unbest sources of this important nutrient. healthfully obsessed with their weight. A potassium-rich diet helps to lower Experienced registered dietitians (RDs) blood pressure, apparently counteracting say that many factors go into the effects to some degree the blood pressure-raising that weight checks have for any given indieffects of sodium. vidual. If you have had disordered eating Getting enough potassium may also patterns or much emotional “baggage” help reduce bone loss with age; more re- from a long history of going on and off search is needed. diets, and for people in their mid-20s and Vegetables and fruits highest in potassi- younger, frequent weight checks done on um include spinach and other cooked their own may do more harm than good in greens, winter squash, white and sweet pota- some cases. toes, tomato juice and sauce, bananas, citrus One important key is how you use what fruit, cantaloupe, dried apricots and raisins. you learn when checking your weight. The Legumes (dried beans such as kidney goal is not to find fuel for self-criticism, but and garbanzo) are also very high in potas- feedback that can lead to better eating and sium as well as fiber and natural antioxi- physical activity habits. dants that provide other health benefits. In Courtesy of the American Institute for addition, choosing whole-wheat bread Cancer Research. Questions for this column gives you two to three times the potassium may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St., of white bread. NW, Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot Q. How often should I weigh myself? respond to questions personally.

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Tasty and creamy Southern cornbread By Dana Jacobi I dig a spicy bowl of gumbo, but while others rhapsodize over a heaping platter of fried chicken, or vie to share recipes for the best grits ever, my mind wanders. It makes me wonder if a gene is missing from my culinary DNA. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worshipping Southern cooking, well, almost synonymous with loving food? Happily, I have finally found a dish with Southern roots that I do adore. In fact, I like it as much as Yankee cornbread, the kind made in New England, which is closer to home for me than the Mason-Dixon Line. As fits austere New England standards, Yankee-style cornbread is dense and intense, with pronounced corn flavor, a definite contrast to Southern versions, which are sweet, have a fluffy crumb, and are either smoky-tasting from bacon drippings or dripping with butter. Southerners also modify corn bread, enjoying it in various forms, from fried hush puppies to creamy spoon bread so soft it must be spooned from the pan. The corn treat I have come to love is close to this spoon bread. Made with whole-grain stone-ground cornmeal, this recipe includes whole corn and a nice portion of Vidalia or other sweet onion. One tablespoon of sugar gives it a hint of sweetness, while green chiles add a nice kick.

But what makes this spoon bread truly special is the addition of black beans, always delicious paired with corn and chiles. As creamy as classic Southern recipes for this beloved side dish, this version of cornbread is substantial enough to serve as a main dish casserole, too. Add a mess of slow-simmered collard greens on the side, and bon appĂŠtit, yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all.

Soft Cornbread with Black Beans This makes a moist, almost pudding-like cornbread when served hot. It should be served hot or warm. 3 Tbsp. canola oil, divided 3/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped Nonfat cooking spray 1 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2 cups low-fat buttermilk 1 large egg, beaten 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chile peppers, drained 1 cup defrosted frozen yellow corn kernels 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained, divided In small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and

cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool. Place rack in upper third of oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. In large mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Mix in chile peppers. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix with a wooden spoon. Be sure to reach bottom of the bowl to combine them fully, but do not over mix. Mix in corn, 1 cup of beans and cooked onions just until combined. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining beans evenly over top of batter.

Bake for 30 minutes, until cornbread is golden and feels firm to touch when lightly pressed in center and knife inserted comes out slightly streaked with moisture. Let cornbread sit for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto wire rack. Using second rack, or serving plate, flip cornbread to top-side up. Cut cornbread into squares and serve immediately. If cut into 12 pieces, per serving: 170 calories, 5 g. total fat (< 1 g. saturated fat), 26 g. carbohydrate, 6 g. protein, 5 g. dietary fiber, 310 mg. sodium. Dana Jacobi is the author of 12 Best Foods Cookbook and contributor to the American Institute for Cancer Researchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New American Plate Cookbook: Recipes for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life.

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Are your meds giving you nightmares? Dear Pharmacist: My doctor is referring me to a psychologist because I’m having so many bad dreams. These are new for me, and while I believe that dreams are “telling,” I can’t help but wonder if it’s something I’m taking. In the last six months, I’ve begun taking three new prescriptions. Could my drugs have any bearing on my sleep or dream state? —T.H. Dear T.H.: Yes, medications can definitely impact the way you sleep and cause vivid dreaming and even nightmares. There are more than 130 medications that can cause nightmares and I’ve posted the whole list at my

website, www.dearpharmacist.com, because I don’t have the room to do so here. I’ll mention a few of those drugs shortly, but for the moment, let’s talk about nightmares. It’s normal to have them on occasion, but not all the time. I believe that dreams are a way for our unconscious mind to get our attention about a life situation — one that is particularly troubling. They are frightening and often contain emotional content or vivid details that stick with you throughout the day, if not forever. Nightmares are fairly common in children, but they are not usually associated with any underlying psychological problems. About 5 to 8 percent of the adult population, mostly women, have to deal with

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time; he said it helped with his recurring nightmares. Just FYI, nightmares are considered one headaches and joint pain. I get headaches, too. Is there any of the hallmark symptoms of medicinal truth to the alpost-traumatic stress disorder mond folklore? (PTSD). Many war veterans — C.P. and child abuse survivors can Dear C.P.: attest to this. Almonds contain salicin But as I said earlier, medicawhich, when consumed, forms tions can trigger nightmares, salicylic acid, the primary bytoo. Below is a list of some of product of aspirin metabolizathe most popular drugs or dition. We all know what aspirin’s etary supplements that have for, don’t we? This is why your the potential to affect dreaming. DEAR dad felt better eating them. If you see your medication on PHARMACIST Anecdotal evidence has the list, and nightmares have beBy Suzy Cohen some headache sufferers come troublesome for you, claiming that eating almonds speak to your doctor about lowering your dose a little, switching medication daily has a cumulative effect. In other words, regular headaches might become categories, or trying something natural. Albuterol: a popular inhaler used for less severe and/or disappear gradually with regular consumption of almonds. asthma or bronchospasm I say “might” because some people are Alprazolam and diazepam: these medications are used for relaxation or allergic to salicin. So if your throat itches, or your tongue and lips swell whenever sleep Amitriptyline and doxepin: two older you eat almonds, then this regal little gem might not be for you. Otherwise, try eating antidepressants Statins: a class of medications used to 12 to 15 a day. Besides the natural pain pacifier they alreduce cholesterol ready contain, almonds are rich in magneBisoprolol: a blood pressure drug Carbidopa/levodopa: used to treat sium, a mineral that helps to lessen nerve excitability and increase muscle relaxation. Parkinson’s disease They provide even higher amounts of viCetirizine: an antihistamine Citalopram and Escitalopram: two tamin E, potassium and manganese, and a little bit of copper, riboflavin, zinc and newer antidepressants Fenfluramine: an appetite suppressant phosphorous. Even though a quarter cup of almonds used for weight loss HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide): a popu- contains 18 grams of fat, eleven of those lar diuretic used to reduce blood pressure are the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind. What’s more, emerging research Levofloxacin: An antibiotic Melatonin: a natural sleep aid, but ex- suggests that eating almonds does not result in weight gain, and may even concessive amounts can cause nightmares Mugwort: a natural herb sometimes tribute to weight loss due to the nut’s tenused to expand consciousness and dream dency to cause a feeling of fullness after eating them. states, as well as for digestive health This information is opinion only. It is not Propranolol: used for high blood pressure, migraines and heartbeat irregulari- intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using ties Zanamivir: inhaled drug used for In- any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist fluenza and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist Zolpidem: popular sleep medication and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To Dear Pharmacist: My dad used to eat almonds all the contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Losing weight, choosing a mate and more Dear Solutions: remind yourself that although you would I’ve been overweight all my life, and like their approval, you don’t need it! I come from a family of Dear Solutions: obese people. We always I’m a widow, and I’ve have these big family gathbeen going out with someerings where people enjoy one for a long time. He the company, and food is wants to marry me. I like the main event. him a lot, but I don’t think Now I’ve started to seriI love him. However, he’s ously lose weight, so when I ver y wealthy, and it’s go to these gatherings, a lot tempting. of the family is acting angry A month ago, a friend of at me when I don’t eat their mine introduced me to a food. A couple of cousins SOLUTIONS man whom he thought would admire what I’m doing, but By Helen Oxenberg, be a good match for me. I rethe rest almost ignore me or MSW, ACSW ally enjoy being with this percriticize me and try to presson because he makes me sure me to eat. What would you advise? laugh all the time, and I love to laugh. — Andie He’s not a ver y ambitious man, Dear Andie: though, and although he’s still workDon’t let them throw their weight ing, he just makes a modest living. around! They resent what you’re doing beI don’t know whether to give up the cause they feel it as a critical judgment of well-off boyfriend. My sister says I themselves. should stick with him because I’ll alIf you want to keep going to these gath- ways have a full belly. I’m afraid to erings, you have to tell them that you love give him up, and yet I’m torn. them the way they are, but you have to do — Jen this for yourself. Dear Jen: It’s very hard to do what you’re doing, Depends on whether you want a belly so join as many support groups as you can laugh or a belly full. Laughter is a great to be with people who will admire and en- glue that helps to keep people attached. courage you. You have to decide whether you want to As for the family, those who want you to stick with that good trait (assuming other succeed will be supportive, and the rest — traits are good also) or take your chances.

Money can be lost — how would you feel about being with the other boyfriend if he lost his wealth? Could you laugh that off? Bottom line: if you really cared enough about the money man, you wouldn’t be asking the question. Dear Solutions: As much as I love being out with my husband, I find that when I’m with women we laugh at ourselves and our lives and our mistakes. If I try the same kind of good-natured ribbing with my husband or even with other men, there’s no laughter, just dead silence. I do notice, though, that my husband will tell stories about silly things that I did, and if I confront him about why he can do this about me, but I can’t do this about him, he says, “Oh, you’re a good sport. You can take it better.” Then I really get annoyed. I don’t feel

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that way with the women, but when he does this I feel that I’m being set up. — Ellen Dear Ellen: You are. The setup, though, has to do with his male ego and his old-fashioned view of women as “cute,” “silly” or whatever else makes him feel good about himself. The difference when you’re with women is that you’re each telling these stories about yourself. You’re able to laugh at yourselves without feeling diminished. So tell him that you’re willing to listen and laugh at silly things you’ve both done together, but your sportsmanship runs out when he’s just using you as a foil. © Helen Oxenberg, 2011. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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Money

WHERE TO STASH YOUR CASH CDs and high-yield checking accounts offer better returns than money market funds and are safer than short-term bonds SAFEGUARD YOUR SAVINGS The possibility of cognitive decline with age can lead to financial losses. Utilize an adviser and a trust to protect your nest egg BUY CASH-RICH STOCKS? Many companies have built up huge cash reserves, but is that an asset when considering stock purchases?

Consider mutual funds that limit volatility By Mark Jewell The best move for an investor suffering from stock shock might be to stick with the market. But do it in a way that takes some of the edge off its ups and downs. If you want smoother investment returns, put your money in a bond mutual fund. But don’t forego stock funds whose managers strive to reduce volatility. A few have consistently delivered on that difficult-to-achieve goal. And they’ve done so without giving up too much of the greater long-term earnings potential of stocks versus bonds. That’s a particularly appealing approach for investors in or near retirement. They may be living off of their savings, rather than building them up, so they’re not in position to wait long for stocks to rebound from a rough patch. “Volatility, in and of itself, is not bad if you’ve got enough time to make up for it,” said Harry Milling, a fund analyst with Morningstar. “If you don’t, then a lowvolatility strategy is really important.”

It’s easy to see why investors are wary of stocks now. Last month, the Standard & Poor’s 500 index whipsawed at least 4 percent for four consecutive days — two days up, two down. By late August, the index was down 6.4 percent for the year. That drop helps explain investors’ net withdrawal of $40 billion from mutual funds in a single week in August. It was the biggest such exit in nearly three years. Three-quarters of the amount withdrawn came from stock funds.

Finding safer stocks In a market like this one, stock funds that specifically pursue strategies to limit volatility tout any success they’ve had achieving that goal. They use a wide range of approaches — from investing in dividend-paying stocks of companies that typically offer greater stability than growth stocks, to buying halfstock, half-bond hybrids called convertibles. Yet there is a downside. When stocks

rally, low-volatility funds are likely to underperform peers taking less-constrained approaches. “You give up a little on the upside, in order to save you on the downside,” Milling said. “But over time, that approach often ends up winning the race.” Below are six low-volatility funds that are among Milling’s favorites. Each has either a top-rung 5-star or 4-star rating from Morningstar. Those ratings are based on past performance, and the level of risk taken to achieve investment returns. Over the long-term, each fund has demonstrated lower volatility than its peers — based in part on downside and upside “capture ratios.” Low-volatility funds with good downside capture ratios consistently suffered smaller losses than the S&P 500 when stocks declined. Conversely, during rallies these funds captured most of the gains, or in some instances beat the market. Those are among the volatility measures found on Morningstar.com by clicking on a fund’s “risk &

ratings statistics” tab. The downside capture ratio is of particular interest in this market decline. The selloff offers a fresh but painful reminder of the realities of recovery math. If your stock portfolio loses 50 percent of its value, you’ll need a 100 percent gain — not 50 percent — to get back to where you started.

Six low volatility funds 1. American Century Equity Income (TWEAX): This large-cap value stock fund invests in dividend-paying companies best positioned to weather tough times. Managers also invest in convertible bonds, which offer the option of converting into the issuer’s common stock at a predetermined price. Convertibles provide the safety of a bond along with an opportunity to profit if the company’s stock rises in price. Over the past 15-year period, this fund has See MUTUAL FUNDS, page 28

Will uncertainty affect healthcare stocks? By Dave Carpenter Healthcare stocks historically provide a relatively safe haven in roiling markets. They’re less tethered to the economy’s every movement than other stocks and tend to be less volatile. Anxious investors might be considering putting money in the sector, but the current outlook is complicated by uncertainty over the government’s changing involvement in healthcare. The wild card is potential cuts to Medicare or Medicaid, soon to be considered by Congress’ new debt-reduction supercommittee. So, is healthcare still a good defensive play given the possible reductions to entitlement programs? Healthcare stocks may bounce around more than usual for awhile because of the questions. But while extra caution is merited, they still have a strong chance to outperform other sectors in a down market, looking better than most other sectors from a defensive standpoint. Healthcare companies’ recent earnings and full-year outlooks have been strong.

And although volatility has been high, the sector’s swings have been less severe than in others. The Standards & Poor’s 500 index is down about 6.4 percent in 2011, as of late August, for example, while its healthcare components were up 1.4 percent.

Medicare’s impact One big concern is the hit that pharmaceutical stocks could take. A cutback in the $55 billion a year that the federal government spends on Medicare Part D, its fiveyear-old prescription drug plan, would likely affect prices. The impact has to do with the difference between Medicare, which is designed to help with long-term care for the elderly, and Medicaid, which covers healthcare costs for the poor. Seniors who are eligible for both government programs currently are reimbursed at Medicare rates, which are more profitable for pharmaceutical firms, noted Damien Conover, associate director of equity research at Morningstar. If reductions

are made, these seniors could be reimbursed at the less generous Medicaid rates instead. Another problem that could hurt the stocks is the flood of patent expirations and the shift toward generics. Generic versions of seven of the world’s 20 top-selling drugs will come on the market in the next 14 months, which will further hurt drug makers’ profit margins.

Government cuts raise concern Still another issue is that healthcare companies count on the government for more money than any other sector, according to Goldman Sachs, and those amounts are now vulnerable to cuts. It’s not just the drug manufacturers, such as Baxter International Inc. (68 percent of revenue from government), but a wide range of firms from insurers Humana Inc. (79 percent) and UnitedHealth Group (35 percent), to medical device makers Becton Dickinson & Co. (66 percent) and Medtronic Inc. (61 percent), to for-profit hospital chain HCA Holdings Inc. (41 percent).

The good news is that stock-watchers say the uncertainties already are factored into stock prices. Better-than-average cash flows and dividends make healthcare more defensive than the market as a whole, said Mitch Schlesinger, chief investment officer at FBB Capital Partners, an investment management firm in Bethesda, Md. Among strong companies with attractive dividend yields are Johnson & Johnson (3.6 percent), Novartis (3.6 percent) and Pfizer (4.5 percent). Those looking to buy a fund should consider the iShares S&P Global Healthcare exchange-traded fund (IXJ), which is down 11 percent since early July but still up 0.9 percent this year. “Healthcare isn’t what it used to be in the ’90s, when pharmas were coming out with all kinds of miracle drugs and they were considered sexy growth companies,” said Russ Koesterich, global chief investment strategist for BlackRock Inc.’s iShares. “But it’s a reasonable place to hide given the volatility.” — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Opinions differ on wisdom of buying gold By Sarah DiLorenzo For what is normally a sleepy month, there were so many customers at the Gold Standard, a New York company that buys jewelry, that it felt like Christmas in August. And Uncle Ben’s Pawn Shop in Cleveland has never seen a rush like this. Welcome to the new American gold rush. The price of gold is on a remarkable run, setting a record seemingly every other day. Stomach-churning volatility in the stock market last month has only made investors covet gold more. Some want it as a safe investment for turbulent times. What worries some investors is that many others are buying simply because the price is rising and they want to make money fast. “Is gold the next bubble?” asked Bill DiRocco, a golf company manager in Overland Park, Kansas, who shifted 10 percent of his portfolio earlier this year into an investment fund that tracks the price of gold. He stopped buying because the price kept rising. In October 2007, gold sold for about $740 an ounce. A little over a year later, it rose above $1,000 for the first time. This past March, it began rocketing up. On August 22, it set a record high at $1,911. But in the following two days, gold prices fell by $150 an ounce, the largest two-day drop in more than decades. However, it’s still far higher than the $1,400 an ounce that gold fetched at the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, stocks, despite rising sharply in the last two and a half years, are only slightly higher in price than they were a decade ago. Since hitting a record high in October 2007, the Standard & Poor’s 500 index is down 23 percent.

Why so valuable? Gold hits a sweet spot among the ele-

ments: It’s rare, but not too rare. It’s chemically stable; all the gold ever mined is still around. And it can be divided into small amounts without losing its properties. Ultimately, though, gold is valuable because we all agree it is. It was used around the world as a currency for thousands of years, and then it gave value to paper currencies for a couple of hundred more. Now, in a time of turmoil — from the credit downgrade and debate over raising the debt limit in the U.S., to the growing financial crisis in Europe, to worries of slow growth across the globe — gold is dazzling investors. Since the financial crisis in 2008, central banks around the world have bought gold as a hedge against their foreign currency holdings. Earlier this month, South Korea announced it had bought gold for the first time in more than 10 years. Gold is “an effective hedge in a world where there is too much debt and uncertainty,” said Jim McDonald, chief investment strategist at Northern Trust, which owns $2.8 billion of gold in a gold fund. The last time gold prices rose so precipitously was a few years after President Richard Nixon ended a decades-long fixed relationship between the value of the dollar and the value of gold. In those days, the price of gold was fixed at about $35 an ounce. And many foreign currencies were pegged to the dollar. Gold gave the dollar its value, and the dollar gave everything else value. Then the U.S. began running a trade deficit, and dollars piled up abroad. Central banks could redeem dollars for gold. But it was a poorly kept secret that the U.S. didn’t have enough gold to cash out every dollar in circulation. To head off a rush, Nixon “closed the

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A stable hedge or a bubble? This time is different because gold is rallying against all currencies, not just the dollar, said Jim Grant, editor of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer. “Gold is the reciprocal of the world’s

faith in the world’s central banks,” Grant said, and right now, “the world is in a pickle.” Gold prices will probably keep rising until the U.S. and Europe get their finances in order, he said — and Grant doesn’t expect that to happen soon. He predicts inflation, low for the moment, will soar, further eroding the value of the dollar and leaving only gold as a good investment. Cetin Ciner, a professor of finance at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, disagrees. He thinks gold is near a peak and people who buy now are blindly chasing the rising price. “I’m thinking of it as like the dot-com See GOLD, page 28

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gold window,” essentially saying that confidence in the U.S. government, not gold, gives the dollar its value. Gold and the dollar began to rise and fall freely, and gold earned its place as protection against the falling dollar when confidence lags. As inflation worsened later in the 1970s and dollars were worth less, the price of gold took off. Gold hit its high in 1980 — $850 an ounce, or more than $2,300 in today’s dollars.

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Mutual funds From page 26 earned 70 percent of the S&P 500’s gains, while suffering just 49 percent of its declines. 2. BlackRock Equity Dividend (MDDVX): This large-cap value fund invests at least 80 percent of its assets in dividend-paying stocks. Over the past 15-year period, the fund has captured 79 percent of

Gold From page 27 stocks,” Ciner said. Both Ciner and Grant caution, however, that when it comes to gold prices, no one really knows. That’s because gold doesn’t have intrinsic value. It doesn’t offer an interest rate, like a bond, or represent a share of a company, like a stock. Gold is inherently speculative as an investment: You only make money if the price goes up.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

the market’s gains, while suffering 63 percent of its declines. 3. Calamos Growth & Income (CVTRX): This aggressive allocation fund holds a mix of stocks, bonds and convertibles. Over the past 10-year period, the fund ranks in the top 3 percent among its peers, with an average annualized return of nearly 6 percent. 4. LKCM Equity Institutional (LKEQX): Milling considers this large-

cap blend fund a hidden gem. It’s got a 5star ranking, yet is relatively small, with $89 million in assets. Over the past 10-year period, it has captured 95 percent of the market’s gains, while suffering 87 percent of its losses. 5. Queens Road Small Cap Value (QRSVX): With $56 million in assets, this small-cap value fund remains small despite its top rating. Its performance surpassed the overall market over the last 5-year period,

capturing 104 percent of the gains, while suffering 88 percent of its losses. By keeping as much as 21 percent of its assets in cash, its managers have helped limit recent losses. 6. Royce Special Equity Investment (RYSEX): This well-known small-cap blend fund has captured 102 percent of the market’s gains over the last 10-year period, while suffering only 66 percent of the market’s losses. — AP

Sharlett Wilkinson Buckner, of Humble, Texas, recently took an old bracelet, ring and necklace to her local jeweler and walked out with $1,070. “I couldn’t wait for my husband to come home,” she said. “I fanned my money in front of him and said, ‘Look what I got for my gold.’” The next day, he sold an old gold necklace for $650. If Peter Hug is right, this frenzy for gold is likely to continue. The director of the precious metals division for Montreal-

based Kitco, one of the largest dealers of precious metals, said gold is no longer “just for the crazy people” — Henny Pennys expecting the sky to fall. Hug said that until the U.S. tackles its debt and deficit problems, there’s no limit for the price of gold. “As long as people are terrified that their purchasing power is going to be eroded, gold goes to $3,000 an ounce,” Hug said. Whether or not prices climb that high, many people are deciding it’s as good a time as any to sell Grandma’s jewelry.

Pawn shops and gold brokers report a surge of people cashing in their gold. In the past two years, Tansky, who runs Uncle Ben’s and is president of the Ohio Pawnbrokers Association, said gold sales have doubled or tripled. That figure actually masks how hot gold is right now, he said, because others who would have come to his store have gone instead to unlicensed brokers that are trying to cash in. “I saw a barber shop that had a sign, `We buy gold,’” he said. “A barber shop! Can you imagine?” — AP

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Sept. 16

FINANCIAL ISSUES AFFECTING SENIORS

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection will sponsor a free program titled “Financial Issues Affecting Seniors” from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday Sept. 16, covering investment scams, powers of attorney, long-term healthcare issues, and avoiding financial crimes. Refreshments will be available at the start of the program. Montgomery County Council member Phil Andrews will speak, and the event will be moderated by Stuart Rosenthal, publisher of the Beacon. It will be held at Asbury Methodist Village, in the Rosborough Center, 409 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. Register by calling Consumer University at (240) 777-3764 or by email at consumerprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Ongoing

FAIRFAX COUNTY TAX RELIEF

Tax relief may be available to Fairfax County residents, 65 or older, or individuals with disabilities. Some disabled veterans may also receive tax relief on one motor vehicle owned and used by the veteran. For more information, call (703) 222-8234, TTY (703) 222-7594, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

The best options for stashing your cash By Dave Carpenter Cash is king again for many unsettled investors. The crisis in confidence that has spooked investors this summer is prompting many to pull their money from the stock market, with others poised to follow. The problem is, where to park it? Here’s a look at the safest options and what you can earn on your cash. If you’re primarily concerned about limiting your risk, you’ll want to focus on various bank products, such as certificates of deposit, savings accounts and high-yield checking accounts. Keep in mind their returns aren’t keeping up with inflation, so they’re not a great strategy in the long run. But if your top priority is safety, at least for the near future, they offer plenty. Here’s a snapshot of key considerations. Online savings accounts: These accounts are a reliable option if you need swift access to your money. The rates aren’t generous, topping out at only about 1 percent. But they are convenient and protected. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. guarantees money deposited in savings and checking accounts and CDs up to $250,000. An online account is ideal for your emergency fund or any money you may need on

short notice, said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com. You can also get an ATM card to access your account. CDs: If you won’t need the money for a while or can afford to park it for six months or longer, consider a CD. Topyielding CDs with a one-year term pay up to about 1.25 percent. Longer maturities offer higher yields, but not by much. Buying a five-year CD won’t get you even 2.5 percent. The highest current rate is 2.4 percent offered by First Internet Bank of Indiana, followed closely by Discover Bank (2.35 percent) and Aurora Bank (2.31 percent), as listed on Bankrate.com. And if climbing rates in the years ahead tempt you to take your money out early, remember that you’ll pay for it. The withdrawal penalty for CDs will typically dock you six months’ interest. High-yield checking accounts: Sometimes called rewards checking accounts, these provide greater benefits under certain conditions. With most, if you make at least one automatic deposit or payment and at least 10 debit transactions a month, the annual percentage yield is 2.5 to 3 percent. The money is very liquid — you can get to it when you need it. The downside? You have to meet those requirements every month to get the top

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Sept. 18

ALL ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY

Learn about Social Security, from how to apply, to survivor and disability benefits, in a free program on Sunday, Sept. 18 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The seminar will be presented by Tom Tobin, a former Social Security Administration employee, at Kemp Mill Synagogue, 11910 Kemp Mill Rd., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, call (202) 331-4481 or email info@bikurcholimgw.org.

Sept.

FREE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION CLINICS

Learn about realistic solutions to avoiding foreclosure and how to avoid “rescue scams.” Those attending will also receive individual counseling to identify options for their personal situation and about a new law in D.C. that gives homeowners in danger of foreclosure the right to seek mediation with their lender. The clinics are on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 14 and 21 at noon and Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Housing Counseling Services, 2410 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. For more information call Su Cheng at (202) 667-7006.

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yield. And there’s usually a cap, most commonly $25,000, on how much you can park in an account to earn the maximum return. If you fall short of reaching the required thresholds — say, if you make only nine debit-card transactions — your yield plummets to around 0.1 percent. So to make one of these accounts worthwhile, make sure you’ll be able to clear the hurdles every month.

Less appealing options Money-market deposit accounts: As with bank savings accounts, low yields of no more than about 1 percent make this a less attractive option. But safety is high and you will have easy access through checks, transfers and even ATMs.

Money-market mutual funds: These funds invest in short-term debt such as Treasury bills or corporate bonds. Traditionally a safe haven for investors, they’re currently paying next to nothing, averaging just 0.03 percent. So you shouldn’t let your cash pile up there, McBride emphasized. Furthermore, unlike the other bank options, money funds are not FDIC-insured. Short-term bond funds: These should not be considered “cash” because of the risk involved. Morningstar said they have returned more than 1.5 percent this year. Still, it’s possible to lose money in a bond fund. And bonds would lose value if interest rates start to rise. — AP

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Prepare for possibility of mental decline By Dave Carpenter With age comes wisdom about money — up to a point. Years of handling your own finances and investments sharpen the ability to make sound decisions. But failing to prepare for the day when growing older hampers your judgment can be costly at an age when more is at stake. Americans older than 65 hold about $18 trillion in assets, according to government data, or about a third of all U.S. net worth. That’s not to say that those in their 70s and 80s can’t stay on top of their finances. But they should take precautions. “Sometimes the senior’s worst enemy is himself or herself,” said Andrew Stoltmann,

a Chicago attorney and investment adviser. “Poor financial decisions and declining cognitive impairment go hand in hand.” The evidence is compelling, as underscored in a presentation at a recent investing conference in Chicago by Harvard economics professor David Laibson. Roughly half the population over 80 suffers from significant cognitive impairment — problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment. That includes one in five who have dementia. And 5.2 million age 65 and over have Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, a number that is expected to triple by 2050. What’s more, investment skill has been

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found to deteriorate dramatically among seniors, particularly after age 70, according to a 2007 study by two finance professors at the University of Miami. “We have to prepare for this,” Laibson, an expert on how aging affects financial choices, told financial planners attending the Morningstar Investment Conference.

More susceptible to scams Retirees and other seniors also are at great risk of being targeted by scammers and rip-off artists. The Pew Research Center estimated in a 2009 study that elderly victims lose at least $2.6 billion a year to financial exploitation. And financial elder abuse only heightens the risks. Perhaps the most infamous case of this involved Brooke Astor, who died at 105 in 2007. The New York philanthropist’s son and lawyer were convicted in 2009 of exploiting her failing mind to steal millions from her nearly $200 million fortune. On a smaller scale, elderly investors regularly harm their finances, or their families, through ill-considered decisions they wouldn’t have made 10 or 15 years earlier. Some seniors panic after market plunges and hastily withdraw money from the stock market, locking in losses. Others buy lowquality, high-commission annuities or other

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investment products with high risks and fees. Financial advisers relate numerous examples involving older clients, withholding names and locations for the sake of confidentiality. A man in the last stages of his life signed over much of his wealth to a bogus overseas nonprofit. A California woman who remarried in her 60s named her husband as her sole beneficiary, unintentionally cutting her three children out of an inheritance from the sale of the family farm. A once-sophisticated 85-year-old investor neglected his portfolio as he aged, learning later that his account had collapsed due to unauthorized trading and mishandling by an unscrupulous broker. Safeguards can be put in place to avoid fraud, and seniors can head off many problems by enlisting an adviser or family member to manage their money or at least give guidance. But perhaps understandably, there is a great psychological resistance to planning for cognitive decline, Laibson noted. “We have a need for control. We procrastinate,” he said. And “we don’t like complexity.”

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Aging issues From page 30 help protect seniors age 65 and up from the consequences of declining mental health, irrational decisions and attempts by others to get their money: 1. Prepare a thorough estate plan. Every senior should have an estate plan — a way to manage and protect assets while you are alive as well as to conserve and control their distribution after your death. The basics: Prepare or update a will, get a living will, establish a durable power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney. But anyone over 65 should go beyond the basics to discuss long-term strategies with an adviser, ideally before faculties and memory decline significantly. “Estate planning is not just tax planning or bequest planning,” said Laibson. “Planning for cognitive decline is just as important.” 2. Have regular financial “check-ups.”

If you’re in your 60s and you don’t have a financial adviser, it’s time to get one. That’s no concession to old age; it’s just sound financial behavior. Besides putting the necessary protective measures in place, a good adviser can discuss and guide you through the financial pitfalls of aging. Meet with an adviser at least every two years. The agenda can include reviewing your portfolio, updating the trustee list, verifying that beneficiaries have been appropriately designated, and just making sure nothing important has changed. The cost for a comprehensive financial review ranges from $500 on up. But some don’t charge for the initial meeting, and the Financial Planning Association (www.fpanet.org) periodically offers free consultation days in select cities. Keep the age of your financial adviser in mind as well. You want experience, but that person may also be nearing retirement. Thomas Balcom, a 39-year-old certified financial planner in Boca Raton, Fla., said

one of his new clients is a business executive in his 60s who sought out a younger adviser so they could work together for the next 20 years or more. 3. Set up a living trust. A revocable living trust sets guidelines for how your assets are handled after you die. Unlike a will, however, it carries benefits for you while you are still alive. Creating a living trust calls for you to turn over ownership of your assets to the trust and then designate a trustee to manage and administer it. While you can name any adult as the trustee, it may be wiser to hire a large bank’s trust department. Fees can be as high as 2 to 3 percent of your assets — considerably more than with investment firms or mutual funds. But banks generally manage client funds very conservatively, and cases involving in-

vestor complaints are rare. Despite the cost, Stoltmann said they are appropriate for most people with assets of $250,000 or more. One big advantage of revocable living trusts is they prevent the courts from controlling your assets in case of incapacity. They also should largely eliminate the chances of you making a blunder as you advance in age. The trustee steps in to manage your money and pay your bills if you become mentally or physically incapacitated. Stoltmann calls it an ideal option for the senior who doesn’t have trusted family members who can take charge. “I can promise you the cases of financial exploitation are virtually nonexistent where a revocable trust is established,” he said. — AP

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Sept. 22

SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

Learn to do-si-do ‘round your partner with a square dancing class on Thursday, Sept 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. No experience or partner needed. The lesson will be held at the Rockville Nursing Home Conservatory Hall, 303 Adclare Rd., Rockville, Md. The fee is $6 for adults. Children under 16 are free. Call (301) 651-8971 for more information.

Ongoing

CAREER TRAINING

The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a national program, whose Montgomery County, Maryland site is managed by the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). SCSEP provides on-the-job training for low-income, older adults. Participants receive minimum wage, plus certain benefits, for the authorized hours they work at nonprofit and public organizations while they ready themselves for unsubsidized, regular jobs. Non-English speaking participants are required to enroll in ESOL classes, which are offered by a variety of organizations throughout the county. The training location is at the JCA, 12320 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, Md. For more information, call (240) 395-0918.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Cash-rich stocks to consider purchasing By Kathy Kristof Is cash king, or is cash trash? If you’re an investor, the question has never been so pertinent or pervasive. Dozens of major corporations reacted to the recession the same way consumers did. They started paying off debts and building up cash reserves. The industrial companies in Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index are now sitting on a record stockpile, estimated at $959 billion, according to S&P.

Plusses and minuses This situation presents tremendous opportunities, but also enormous challenges. Experts say that investors’ fortunes could be made or broken depending on how the companies handle their cash. “You have to look at each company individually and figure out what they’re going to do with their treasure trove,” said Mark Boyar, principal at Boyar’s Intrinsic Value Research, in New York City. “Some companies will squander the money. Others will use it to significantly improve their performance.” Gigantic cash hoards have become important for several reasons. First, cash gives companies staying power and flexibility. Sitting on billions of dollars of easy-toaccess capital gives them the potential to

start or boost dividends, buy back shares, and turbocharge future growth by purchasing other companies or investing in new facilities, technology and brainpower. But in today’s low-interest-rate environment, cash can also be a negative for companies — and by extension, their investors — because it doesn’t generate much income.

that Microsoft overpaid,” said John Osterweis, co-manager of Osterweis Fund. “But if Skype makes sense strategically, it is going to turn out to be very wise.” We give the nod to six companies — Apple (AAPL), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), Google (GOOG), Intel (INTC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Whirlpool (WHR) — because they are not only cash-

rich but have executives who know what to do with all that moolah. Plus, their stocks are relatively cheap. Kathy Kristof is a contributing editor to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Send your questions and comments to moneypower@kiplinger.com. For more on this and similar money topics, visit www.Kiplinger.com. © Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Which are worth buying? With that in mind, many savvy money managers are scrutinizing cash-rich companies, trying to find the relative handful that have the capital and the expertise to use their money wisely. Some experts, for example, say they’ve been nervously picking up shares of the nation’s fattest cash cow, Microsoft Corp. (symbol MSFT), which is sitting on a stockpile of nearly $50 billion. Why nervously? The stock looks cheap, selling for nine times estimated earnings for the fiscal year that ends in June 2012. But Microsoft also has a sorry history when it comes to deploying its assets, spending billions on ill-fated products, such as the forgettable Zune music player, and making disappointing acquisitions. Now Microsoft is getting ready to spend $8.5 billion on Skype, the Internet phone service. “There seems to be universal agreement

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Does your organization use senior volunteers or do you employ a number of seniors?

Careers Volunteers &

If so and you’d like to be considered for a story in our Volunteers & Careers section, please send an email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Advocating for long-term care residents nursing home’s doors were locked, and if they wanted you in, you were in, and if they wanted you out, you were out,” she said. Abuse and neglect at nursing homes existed then and is still present today, Hunt said. The ombudsman program helps combat these problems through volunteers and employees who go out to nursing homes and assisted living facilities regularly to represent the residents.

An unbiased perspective “What makes the ombudsmen unique is that they are not part of the nursing home staff. They are independent, and their role is to work with and on behalf of the residents,” Maryland State Ombudsman Alice Hedt said. The Maryland program includes 40 paid ombudsmen and 122 volunteers. In the last year, the program has addressed more than 3,000 complaints and provided 6,800 consultations to the 47,000 people living in assisted living and nursing homes throughout the state. Virginia volunteer ombudsman Joan Makurat sees her role this way: “If you get a working relationship with the staff, and a friendly relationship with the residents,

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By Jacob Schaperow Pearl Hunt visits the Sligo Creek Nursing Home and Jrose Assisted Living in Silver Spring at least once a week and often more frequently. There, she acts as an advocate for the residents in their dealings with the administration. As a volunteer long-term care ombudsman, Hunt makes it clear that she is a third party not affiliated with the nursing home and lets the residents know that anything they tell her is confidential Hunt, 87, was one of six seniors from around the country recognized for their volunteer efforts at a White House event in July. In a panel with the other volunteers, Hunt spoke about what she sees as the biggest issues facing nursing homes and assisted living facilities today: abuse and neglect. Hunt has been involved with the ombudsman program since 2004 and has worked to protect the rights of the aging for much longer. She attended the first White House Conference on Aging in 1961, when she was working as a nursing home administrator herself. She said that back then there were no regulations governing nursing homes. “A

Local ombudsmen attended a recent White House ceremony honoring volunteers. Pictured from left are Becky Kurtz, U.S. Administration on Aging, Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs; Alice Hedt, Maryland State Ombudsman; Kim Nazworth, Montgomery County Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Program staff; volunteer Pearl Hunt; volunteer Bill Jones; Annette Kerr, LTCO staff; Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; LTCO staff Eileen Bennett; volunteer Leslie Roberts; and Lynne Person, D.C. State Ombudsman.

they’ll tell you things they wouldn’t tell anybody else.” Makurat, who lives in Fairfax, Va., also attended the White House event. She has been volunteering with the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman program since 2004 and is the ombudsman for Commonwealth Care of Virginia nursing home. The D.C. ombudsman program touched almost 3,000 of the District’s 5,000 residents, according to the D.C. ombudsman, Lynne Person. The top five complaints the ombudsmen get from residents are about care, the envi-

ronment, autonomy and privacy, staffing and food, Person said.

Becoming an ombudsman New ombudsman recruits attend several days of required training sessions, and then shadow another ombudsman in the field. Eventually they are assigned to a specific facility, generally located somewhere near their home, where they meet with residents and address their concerns on a regular basis. See OMBUDSMEN, page 36

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Back to school From page 1 was going to go or if I could keep up with the other students,” she said. Going back to the classroom was definitely challenging, but Green persevered. “From that day I walked in there, hard as it was, I never missed a semester. I just kept going. I kept thinking about how old I was, thinking if I don’t make it now, I’ll never get it.” Green earned her associate’s degree and is now enrolled at Trinity’s main Northeast Washington campus as a criminal justice major. She hopes to work with youth once she has graduated. “Criminal justice is something I wanted to do since I was in high school. But I never got there,” she said. “This will give me a few years to work a little before I retire.” One of the biggest rewards of returning to school has been her daughter’s response. “My daughter is so proud. She said, ‘Look at my mom. She went back to school and she’s making good grades,’” Green said.

Preparing to teach For Steven Halloway, going to American University for a master’s degree in film is a capstone for his career. Halloway, 57, graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology 30 years ago and has carved out a career in film and video production over the intervening decades. A resident of Laurel, Md., Halloway made a film about primates in captivity that aired on PBS, as well as numerous other documentaries. Now he wants to teach filmmaking to others. But first he needs a master’s degree, so he enrolled in AU’s weekend program. Classes meet all day on Saturdays. Students can earn their degree in three years. “The main reason I want to start teaching is to give back,” Halloway said. “I feel like I have something to share. “I feel like I can combine what I already

know with a degree and really do something significant. It’s the right time and the right stage in my career.” Halloway already has a head start on teaching; he worked as a teaching assistant in an undergraduate class over the summer. As for becoming a student again himself, “I’d say the first day is the toughest, when you realize you’re going to be the oldest in the class. But it wasn’t that bad — and it turns out there are older students than me in many of my classes.”

Just for the fun of it Not all older students go back to school to obtain a degree. Some just enjoy learning for its own sake. Fortunately, that’s a very affordable pastime. State schools in the area offer free tuition to older students who aren’t earning credits towards a degree. But if you’re just auditing a class, generally you can only register after paying students have done so, which means some classes may be full. John Weidner, of Springfield, Va., rediscovered the joy of learning while taking geology classes at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. He’s taken field trips to the Chesapeake Bay and Blue Ridge mountains completely free of charge. “I think it’s one of the neatest things I’ve discovered as a senior. I enjoy it very much, and I certainly intend to keep doing it,” said the retired systems engineer. “I’m 69. I have all the degrees I need. I’m not going to be a geologist. Taking these classes without pressure is a wonderful experience.” Weidner said there are students of all ages in his classes, which he also enjoys. He estimates that 10 to 15 percent of his classmates are 50 or older, while many are in their 20s. “Young people are often very encouraging, very supportive, very friendly,” he said. “We’re all students in a class together. “Yeah, I’m older than their grandparents. But what the heck?”

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Higher Achievement is in need of volunteers to serve as mentors and study hall aides for the 2011-2012 school year. Volunteers work with middle school students in grades 5 to 8 to enrich their academics and ensure they are on track to attend college. Help is needed on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. Study hall aides are asked to volunteer for one hour between 3:30 and 6 p.m., and mentors are asked to be there from 6 to 8:15 p.m. For more information, contact Christie Atlee at catlee@higherachievement.org or call (202) 375-7724.

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Free and reduced tuition The cost of higher education has skyrocketed over the last two decades. But there are ways to make going back to school more affordable. If you just want to take classes without earning credit, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia offer tuition waivers for older adults for both four- and two-year state schools. The Golden ID Program permits eligible Maryland residents to enroll in courses at most state schools at little cost. Applicants must be 60 years of age or older and must be retired or working no more than 20 hours a week. Registration for courses is on a space-available basis. Tuition and most fees are waived. For more information on the University of Maryland at College Park’s program, visit www. testudo.umd.edu/soc/goldenid.html. The Virginia Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver program covers tuition and fees for courses at state schools for Virginia residents who are at least 60 and have lived in the state for at least a year. Course credit is available for those whose taxable income doesn’t exceed $15,000. Tuition waivers are available on a space-available basis. For information on the George Mason University waiver, see http:// registrar.gmu.edu/forms/SW.pdf. Free tuition is offered to students 65 and over at the University of the District of Columbia. For more information, see http://bit.ly/udctuition or call (202) 2746593. Uncle Sam can also offer some assistance in the form of tax credits and deductions. You can choose only one of

the following three tax breaks. Check out the Lifetime Learning tax credit that allows students of any age to claim up to a $2,000 credit each year for college or other post-secondary school expenses. The American Opportunity credit allows an annual tax credit up to $2,500. The government also provides tuition and fees deductions for students that can cover up to $4,000 in expenses. To learn more about these benefits, visit the IRS’s Tax Benefits for Education Information Center, which you can access at www.TaxBenefitsForEducation. info. The federal Pell Grant offers up to $5,500, depending on financial need; 32 percent of students age 30 and above receive the grant, compared with 23 percent of traditional students. While most scholarships are aimed at traditional undergraduates, there are a number of scholarships offered specifically to adult and non-traditional students. Two websites that can help you find them are www.fastweb.com and www. scholarships.com, both of which offer huge scholarship databases and easy-touse search tools. Fastweb lists more than 50 scholarships for students 30 and older. For example, scholarships from the Talbots Charitable Foundation go to women seeking an undergraduate degree who earned their high school diploma or GED at least 10 years ago. It awards five $10,000 scholarships and 50 $1,000 scholarships to women ranging in age from their late 20s to their 60s. For more information, see http://bit.ly/talbotsscholarship. — Barbara Ruben

“Professors and teachers come in and give classes all the time. It’s nice to have all this going on where you live.” ~ Dan Roberts Country Meadows resident since 2005

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The joy of learning You don’t have to enroll in college classes to find educational opportunities. Classes targeted to older adults abound in the Washington area. In addition to offerings at your local senior center, try the following programs. Arlington Learning in Retirement Institute Classes at the Arlington Learning in Retirement Institute start in October. The program will hold a fall course preview on Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Va. For information, call (703) 2282144 or visit www.ArlingtonLRI.org. Georgetown University’s Living Community

Ombudsmen From page 34 “You have to love people,” said ombudsman Eileen Bennett, the volunteer coordinator for the Montgomery County program. “That is a requirement. If you are a paper pusher only, this job is not for you … You need to be ready to get to know [the residents] and accept them as a friend in your life,”

This program in Washington, D.C. offers classes to those over 55: $30 for one class; $50 for two. For more information, see http://bit.ly/georgetownlearning or call (202) 687-8700. Montgomer y College Lifelong Learning Institute This community college offers a wide variety of courses for people 50 and over at its many campuses as well as other public locations. Fees vary. An all-day Taste of Lifelong Learning program, with samples of eight different classes (and lunch), takes place Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Germantown Campus. Fee: $79 ($129 for non-Md. residents). For more information, call (240) 567-1828 or visit www.

“A volunteer has to have really good communication skills,” Hedt added. “They have to be able to communicate clearly with both the residents and with the administrator or nurse or other staff at the facility.” At the same time, there’s also room for people who would rather contribute in other ways, according to Person. “We find that all volunteers may not necessarily be comfortable going into a facility, but there’s always other different types of ac-

montgomer ycollege.edu/wdce/ce/ lifelonglearning.html. OASIS OASIS is a national program offering classes to those 50 and over. The only local site is at the Macy’s Home Store in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Md. OASIS members also serve as tutors for area school children. Registration for the fall semester starts on Sept. 8. For more information, including costs, see www.oasisnet.org/ Cities/East/WashingtonDCarea.aspx or call (301) 469-6800, press 1, then press extension 211. Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes With locations in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, Osher

Lifelong Learning members either take or teach classes. There are no tests or grades. Membership fees and plans vary by location. Find out more about the American University program at www.olli-dc.org or by calling (202) 895-4860. The George Mason Osher program holds classes in Fairfax, Reston and Sterling. For more information, see www.olli.gmu.edu or call (703) 5033384 The Osher program at University of Maryland College Park is part of its School of Public Health. Get more information at www.sph.umd.edu/hlsa/ osher/index.cfm or (301) 314-2582 — Barbara Ruben

tivities and events that we have going on throughout the year where we could definitely benefit from having volunteers.” For more information about volunteering in Maryland, contact Jose Jimenez at (410) 767-2161 or email jjimenez@ooa.state.md.us.

For the D.C. program, call volunteer coordinator Genesis Cachedon at (202) 434-2037. The Northern Virginia ombudsman program can be reached at (703) 324-5861, TTY 711, or go online to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ dfs/olderadultservices/LTCOmbudsman.

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Drivers are needed to transport older residents to medical appointments in Fairfax County. If interested, call (703) 324 5406, TTY (703) 449-1186, email DFSAAAvolunteer@fairfaxcounty.gov or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices and click on Volunteers.

Ongoing

NUTRITION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The Village at Rockville is seeking a volunteer on Monday and Thursday mornings to assist the Dietetic team with gathering menus from residents and placing them the data system. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in geriatric nutrition or with a desire to be a dietitian. For more information, contact (301) 354-8447.

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 9

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE By Dr. John M. Thompson September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and here in D.C. and across the East Coast, we learned that information on emergency preparedness is important when dealing with the earthquake and Hurricane Irene. Overall, the District fared well and so did the nearly 100,000 residents of the District who are age 60 and older. Going forward, I would like to make some changes to the Office on Aging plan so that we can enhance our efforts to assist our frail and vulnerable population. Technically, we are not one of the first responders as it relates to emergencies; we are a support agency. The very first responders in event of any emergency are Fire and EMS, Police, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works, Department of Human Services and the Department of Health. My role in emergencies, such as natural disasters, is to interface with the responders by advocating on behalf of our seniors to ensure their needs are met. As hurricane season continues, let us make sure that we: 1. Make a plan. 2. Make an emergency kit. 3. Be informed. As you read further, you will find tips on how to develop an emergency plan, an emergency kit and how to keep

abreast of important news in order to be safe when faced with emergency situations.

We want to hear from you The Office on Aging is coming to the end of our needs assessment process. We are glad to be getting feedback from residents, caregivers and providers so that we may determine how we will plan our programs and services for the elderly and resources for the disabled and their caregivers. If you are interested in participating in this process, please call 202-778-3449.

Healthy Aging Month September is also Healthy Aging Month. Think about new ways to become involved in activities. Begin participating in a wellness center to increase your physical activity. Begin eating healthier by attending a nutrition site and participating in the programs provided there. Also, try volunteering with a volunteer group in your area, where you can share your experiences or expertise with others. Take positive steps toward healthy aging by participating more. For more information, call our Information and Assistance Unit at 202-7245626 to find out about our centers or more information about volunteer organizations you can join.

September 2011

Poster Contest Winners The Commission on Aging and the United Black Fund Annual Poster Contest announce this year’s winners. The participants attended Dept. of Parks and Recreation Summer Camps. The complete list of winners is as follows: Ages 5-7 First Place: Precious Onawole Second Place: Jayln Russell

Third Place: Tyler Russell Ages 8-10 First Place: Pernell Brown Second Place: Alonia Davis Third Place: Yohance Bishop Ages 11-13 First Place: Chason Washington Second Place: Riyaunie Proctor Third Place: Daquan Dockery

District Provides Assistance to Frail Elderly During Storm Preparation Office on Aging Executive Director John Thompson joined forces with the Dept. of Public Works Director Bill Howland and Assistant Chief Diane Groomes to assist seniors who requested assistance with sandbags before the expected arrival of Hurricane Irene. Although sandbags were available to District residents for two days in preparation of Irene, frail and homebound seniors were unable to pick them up themselves and place them where needed at their homes. “It is so awesome that District agencies can collaborate so well together in serving our frail and vulnerable seniors,” Thompson said. Seniors called into the mayor’s CityWide Call Center 311 and to the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency seeking help

picking up sandbags. The Office on Aging also asked its service providers to call their clients, who are frail and elderly homeowners, to see if they needed assistance. “We were able to deliver sandbags to 12 homebound seniors, and I want to publicly thank Chief Groomes and Director Howland for their assistance in helping to secure the homes of our frail elderly,” added Thompson. If seniors are in need of assistance for Hurricane Irene-related problems or for any other issues, they should call 311 to request services. The Office on Aging provides assistance for District residents age 60 and older and persons with a disability age 18 and older. For more information on the Office on Aging’s programs and services, visit www.dcoa.dc.gov or call 202-724-5626.

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Older Americans Each person’s needs and abilities are unique, but every individual can take important steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and put plans in place. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan, you can be better prepared for any situation. A commitment to planning today will help you prepare for any emergency situation. Preparing makes sense. Get ready now. • Consider how a disaster might affect your individual needs. • Plan to make it on your own, at least

for a period of time. It’s possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. • Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available. • Prepare an emergency supply kit. • If you must evacuate, take your pets with you, if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. • Plan in advance for shelter alterna-

tives that will work for both you and your pets; consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency. • Encourage electronic payments for federal benefit recipients. Keep in mind a disaster can disrupt mail service for days or even weeks. For those who depend on the mail for their Social Security benefits, a difficult situation can become worse if they are evacuated or lose their mail service — as 85,000 check recipients learned after

Hurricane Katrina. Switching to electronic payments is one simple, significant way people can protect themselves financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits: Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is the best option for people with See EMERGENCY TIPS, page 38

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D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar cated at 3501 Martin Luther king, Jr. Ave., S.E. For more information, call 202-562-4075.

September events 8th, 9th, 13th The District of Columbia Office on Aging is conducting focus group sessions to receive input from seniors age 60 and older living in the District on service needs and barriers to care. Focus groups will be held on Sept. 8 and 13. Community partners are also requested to participate in a session on Sept. 9. Call 202-778-3449 to register, or email seniorneedsassessment@tcba.com. For more information on how you can participate, call 202-724-5622.

10th • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Improve your health by attending the Resurrection Baptist Church Senior Health Fair. The church is lo-

Emergency tips From page 37 bank accounts. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or at www.GoDirect.org. The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks for people who don’t have a bank account. Sign up is easy – call tollfree (877) 212-9991 or sign up online at www.USDirectExpress.com. Signing up for direct deposit or the Direct Express® card is a simple but important step that can help protect your family’s access to funds in case the unthinkable were to happen. If you or those close to you are still receiving Social Security or other federal benefits by check, please consider switching to one of these safer, easier options today.

Create a Support Network If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster, talk to family, friends and others who will be part of your personal support network. • Write down and share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your support network. • Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home or workplace and where you will go in case of a disaster. • Make sure that someone in your local network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies. • Teach those who will help you how to

10th • 2 to 6 p.m. Model Cities Senior Wellness Center will host an open house. The center is located at 1901 Evarts St., N.E. For more information, contact Stacie Thweatt at 202-635-1900.

441 4th St., N.W., 9th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Dr. John M. Thompson, Executive Director Darlene Nowlin, Editor Adrian R. Reed & Selma Dillard, Photographers The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race,

Ward 5 Senior Nutrition Centers will hold a Falls Prevention Day. For locations, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

26th • 10:30 a.m. to noon A flu shot clinic will be held at Edgewood Terrace Senior Nutrition Center, 635 Edgewood St., N.E. For more information, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

17th • 2 to 5 p.m. Attend the Damien Ministries HIV and Aging Awareness Day event at the Dorothy I. Height-Benning Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Rd., N.E. For more information, call Tanya Bender Henderson, Ph.D. at 202-526-3020, extension 14.

use any lifesaving equipment and administer medicine in case of an emergency. • Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your network.

Additional Supplies and Documents • Medications and Medical Supplies. If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for at least a week, maybe longer. • Make a list of prescription medicines including dosage, treatment and allergy information. • Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you need to prepare. • If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home healthcare, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network. • Consider other personal needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen. • Emergency Documents. Include copies of important documents in your emergency supply kits such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, Social Security number, charge card and bank account information and tax records. • Have copies of your medical insurance and Medicare cards readily available. • Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices or other life-sustaining devices. Include operating information

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher.

23rd • 11:30 a.m.

color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

Early October event 7th • 11:30 a.m. Learn about breast cancer at pink ribbon celebrations at Ward 5 Senior Nutrition Centers. For locations, call Vivian Grayton at 202-529-8701.

and instructions. • Make sure that a friend or family member has copies of these documents. • Include the names and contact information of your support network, as well as your medical providers. • If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you. • Keep these documents in a water proof container for quick and easy access.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: • Water — one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation • Food — at least a three-day supply of

non-perishable food • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle to signal for help • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Program Provides Assistance in Wake of Damage from Hurricane Irene and August Earthquake Mayor Vincent C. Gray and the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) would like to remind residents about the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFFRP), which provides assistance to help households finance home repairs that will: • Address building-code violations • Repair roofs • Remove threats to health and safety, including lead-based paint hazards • Remove barriers to accessibility for persons with mobility or other physical impairments. “The District is utilizing all available resources to help residents recover from damages sustained as a result of Hurricane Irene or the August 23, 2011 earthquake,” said Mayor Gray. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this program, which can help ensure that essential repairs are not ignored.” Under the SFRRP Program, DHCD provides funding of loans and grants,

not to exceed a total of $75,000, to affected households. The program provides financing through low or zero-percent amortized loans for up to 20 years and deferred loans (not payable until the home is sold, transferred or refinanced). All applicants are currently subject to homeowner eligibility, which is based upon the homeowner’s income. DHCD is planning to modify existing SFFRP guidelines so that funding can be used to assist with repairs associated with damage from Hurricane Irene. DHCD also offers the Lead Safe Washington Program, which provides grants of up to $17,500 per housing unit to eligible homeowners and investor-owners of pre-1978 housing with deteriorated leadbased paint to make those units lead safe. For additional information, visit www.dhcd.dc.gov and click on “Residential and Community Services” under Services. You may also call 202-4427294 for more information.

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Leisure &

Vermeer, porcelain and more in charming Delft, Holland. See story on page 41.

Be adventuresome in Dominican Republic More than beaches and resorts Many people who think of the Dominican Republic, if they think of it at all, picture broad, golden sand beaches and a wide choice of all-inclusive resorts. There are many such settings, most located around Punta Cana at the eastern end of the island, and they have much to offer. But we set our sights elsewhere. Fyllis and I opted to spend our time at less-visited Puerto Plata on the northern coastline. It also boasts lovely beaches that are bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, and an inviting if more limited choice of resorts, some particularly affordable. An added bonus is a long list of activities beyond those available at most other places in the DR, as we learned to call our temporary home away from home. Visitors who are so disposed may spend their time basking in the sun at the resorts and on the beaches. If they do, they’ll miss opportunities to explore largely unspoiled countryside, interact with local residents, visit towns and villages little touched by tourism, and enjoy encounters with Mother Nature, ranging from tranquil to tough. PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

For a glimpse of local life, visit the small villages beyond the Dominican Republic’s beach resorts. Residents are invariably friendly and welcoming of tourists.

First, a little history It doesn’t take long for today’s visitors to understand why, after spotting the verdant, mountainous land mass in 1492, Christopher Columbus wanted to establish a colony on the island that the Dominican Republic now shares with Haiti. As it turned out, it was another explorer who founded a city there 10 years later and named it Puerto Plata (“port of silver”). Among reminders of Spanish colonial days is a small but interesting stone fort, Fuerte de San Filipe (“Fort of Saint Phillip”), which still gazes out over the north shore. The oldest military fortification in the Americas, its massive walls enclose a little historical museum and a tiny cell in which Juan Pablo Duarte, a hero of the Dominican Republic’s fight for independence, was once detained.

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

By Victor Block “You expect me to climb up that?” I inquired of Carlos, who was guiding my wife Fyllis and me on our morning outing in the Dominican Republic. “And then to slide back down?” I added with growing trepidation in my voice. We were about to scale the first of what’s billed as “27 waterfalls,” a series of cascades and pools created by a rushing river whose arctic-like water contrasted with the heat of the surrounding rain forest. Only slightly reassured by our guide’s words of encouragement, I donned the required life jacket and helmet, swam to the bottom of the first fall, and climbed a rickety wood ladder to its summit. Only the devil-may-care attitude that Fyllis displayed as she plummeted down the chute prompted me to follow, rather than thinking of some excuse to descend the same way I had gone up. After returning safely, if slightly bruised, Fyllis and I stopped for a lunch of pit-roasted pig washed down by a cold local brew. That was followed the next day by hiking in a rainforest, pausing to explore caves that have been carved out over eons.

Fort San Felipe was built by the Spanish on a peninsula overlooking the north shore of the Dominican Republic, in part to ward off attacks by pirates. Construction began in 1539 and took several years to complete.

A later colonial period from the late 19th and early 20th centuries is brought to life by a cluster of wooden Victorian houses around Central Park. Their gingerbread motifs and wooden filigree are set off by a kaleidoscope of pastel colors. Another worthwhile stop in Puerto Plata is the Museo de Ambar Dominicano (Amber Museum). The northern shoreline of the country is known as the Amber Coast because the area contains the largest deposits of that semiprecious stone in the world, including rare blue, red and black varieties. Amber is fossilized pine resin that was formed some 50 million years ago. Specimens that contain preserved fossils are favored by many collectors. For anyone interested in buying amber who is not an expert, the museum’s shop is the safest bet. That offered by street vendors or at some stores may not be the real thing. The town of Puerto Plata is well located for visits to nearby villages, tourist complexes and beaches. Playa Cabarete (Cabarete Beach) is popular among both locals and visitors, especially those who like to wind surf. Prevailing breezes blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean make this one of the best locations in the world for that sport. Once a tranquil fishing village, Sosua evolved into a bustling (read that “touristy”) community known for an enclave of Jewish

residents whose relatives fled Europe just before World War II. Many are descendants of German and Austrian Jews who took advantage of the policy adopted by the Dominican Republic to help alleviate the suffering caused by the Holocaust. The townspeople were entirely Jewish until the opening of the Puerto Plata airport in 1980 led to the transformation of Sosua into a beach resort. The village is home to the first synagogue that was established in the country and a small museum that preserves the history of the original Jewish immigrants. The Sosua beach is one of the best in the Dominican Republic, a strip of soft white sand tucked into a cove sheltered by coral cliffs. Along with a collection of tourist shops selling the usual resort clothing and knickknacks, the beach is lined by little restaurants that serve good, simple food at reasonable prices.

Outdoor adventures with “Mama” When Fyllis and I sought a change from checking out beaches and sightseeing attractions, the challenge became which of an inviting choice of activities to select. As non-golfers, we couldn’t take advantage of well-known courses designed by the likes See DR ADVENTURES, page 40

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DR adventures From page 39 of Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus. So we decided to focus on new experiences. While options included dirt-biking, wind surfing and deep sea diving, we immediately added those to our “not in this life” list. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, river tubing and horseback riding had appeal, but we have enjoyed them in other places at other times. Then we found the perfect solution. We were directed to Iguana Mama, an outdoor tour operator that lives up to its slogan, “Mama knows best.” That heart-pounding climb up, and plummet down, waterfalls described earlier is but one choice among its long menu of offerings. Along with the usual selection of recreational pastimes available at many vacation spots, Mama throws in a few that catch your attention and, if you participate, your breath. Canyoning and zip lining provide trips over and down into the landscape. Sailing

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on a catamaran, ocean fishing and whale watching cruises get salts and landlubbers alike out on the sea. After a detailed discussion of the alternatives with Michael Scates, who owns the operation, we selected two options that we thought would provide challenge enough but not too much. Michael described the six available mountain bike adventures in descending order of difficulty. He began with a 45-mile “Maximum Endurance” ride that even he admitted involves “hideousness and pain.” Not for us, we replied in unison. Instead, we opted for a gentle pedal over dirt roads that passed through neighborhoods of modest homes, waving to children playing in the streets as we steered to avoid what appeared to be bicycle-eating potholes and chickens scratching in the dust. No hideousness, no pain. After riding past coconut, mango, grapefruit and other trees that our guide, Carlos Rios, identified, we paused at a tiny collec-

tion of animals too small to deserve the name “zoo.” A few pink flamingoes, turtles, iguanas and a sassy parrot had the run of the place, while a pair of crocodiles lay dormant, as crocs do, in small enclosures. Next on the itinerary was a ride in a rundown outboard motor boat on the slow-flowing Yessica River, past cows grazing in fields near the water and fishermen throwing their nets. Back on land, we enjoyed a cool drink of coconut milk sipped from the shell, and then pedaled back to our starting point. Another day, another outing. This time, it was a hike in the Choco National Park, named for the chocolate color of the earth. As with everything else Iguana Mama, this was not just a hike. It also involved exploration of several of the more than 100 limestone caves, many connected by underground rivers, which added a whole new dimension to the usual walk in the woods. Even more interesting to me was an encounter with an elderly man who invited us into his tiny, primitive hut, made of palm

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tree wood and fronds, and offered us a snack of warm yucca. This epitomized every experience with the Dominicans we met, who invariably were friendly and courteous. The people I meet when traveling have much to do with how much I enjoy a destination. Add beautiful beaches, magnificent scenery and tiny towns, then throw in the long list of activities both familiar and less so, and the Dominican Republic has much to offer those seeking active days, hours lolling on the sand, or a combination of both.

If you go All-inclusive resorts are the choice of many travelers to the Dominican Republic. The Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort in Puerto Plata lives up to its name, offering every comfort in accommodations, along with opportunities to book virtually any recreation outside the sprawling property you might wish to pursue. There are several levels of lodging and lavish opulence, depending upon price. The usual “all inclusive” endless supply of food and beverages is available, along with swimming pools, spas and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, plus other amenities. Daily activities range from golf and tennis lessons to classes in Spanish, aerobics and preparing a Dominican cocktail. For just one idea of what makes this resort special, picture the typical chaise lounges lined up on beaches, then think again. Guests luxuriate on queen-size platform beds, some double-decker, some slung hammock-like from palm trees. All-inclusive nightly rates for lying in the lap of luxury here start at $82 per person a night for a limited time, with your seventh night free after a six-night stay. Other seasons (and fancier accommodations and suites) can be considerably higher. For details, log onto www.lhvcresorts.com or call (809) 970-7777, ext. 70083. Dining at the Lifestyle resort means selecting from four or more restaurants, ranging from white tablecloth to casual buffet. Fresh-caught seafood, beans and rice and fried plantain are among popular Dominican dishes, often prepared with a Spanish flair along with local touches. We also enjoyed lunch at the modestly priced Jorge Restaurant on Coco Beach, which consists of a few plastic tables and chairs on the sand. It offers excellent fish soup ($6), shrimp salad and curried chicken (both $8). We had dinner one night at Le Pappillon, just outside the entrance to the Lifestyle resort. Jovial, German-born Tomas Ackerman prepared his special onion pie appetizer ($8), along with goulash soup ($7) and chicken stroganoff ($13). For more information, call (809) 970-7640 or email the owner-chef at lepappilliontomas@hotmail.com. Flights from the Washington area start at $422 roundtrip on Spirit Airlines from Reagan National Airport to Santo Domingo Las Americas International Airport. For more information about the Dominican Republic, call 1-888-374-6361 or log onto www.godominicanrepublic.com.

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Vermeer and porcelain in quaint Dutch city

Touring Royal Delft Delft, the town, is synonymous with

Royal Delft porcelain. An entire industry of so-called Delftware began in the 17th century (during Vermeer’s time), but just this one factory remains today. It’s open for tours and even offers would-be painters the chance to get a feel for the craft through workshops. Visitors get a thorough look at the history of the porcelain, and can watch it being decorated in the present-day by the factory’s seven painters or handful of artisans. To try your hand at it, book a workshop in advance. They start at $21 (14.5 euros), which does not include the pottery. Regular entry is $11.50 (8 euros). Skip the guided audio tour; there’s plenty of information on the walls and in pamphlets. There’s also a café and a shop where you can buy Delftware. See www.royaldelft.nl/ for more information. Delft’s charm is best experienced by ambling. Walk along the canals, admire the architecture, watch out for bikes and enjoy. There are several must-sees, including the towering, brick cathedral in the old city center, the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which dates to at least the 1200s. See www.oudekerk-delft.nl. Vermeer was buried here in 1675. The Vermeer Center showcases the life and work of Vermeer, who was born in Delft in 1632. The center, which is housed at the former St. Lucas Guild — where Vermeer

Upcoming Trips Fall Foliage and Shenandoah Caverns

Experience one of the best fall foliage displays in the East as we travel scenic Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. In addition, we’ll visit the Shenandoah Caverns, American Celebration on Parade, and other area attractions.

served as dean of the painters — has examples of his work, a recreation of his studio and more. Entry is $10 (7 euros). See www.vermeerdelft.nl. The Museum Het Prinsenhof tells the story of William of Orange, who led the Netherlands Revolt — a clash between the Protestants and Catholics in the late 1500s. Also on display are art and other wares from the city’s 17th centur y Golden Age. Entr y is $10.70 (7.50 euros). See www.prinsenhof-delft.nl. Search for the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) but don’t let the name fool you. Work on this cathedral, on the market square, started in 1396. Entrance fee of $5 (3.50 euros) gets you into both the Old and New churches. See www.nieuwekerkdelft.nl. See DELFT, page 42

By Emily Fredrix You don’t have to be in Delft long to see what inspired Johannes Vermeer. Meandering up and down countless bridges that stretch over canals, and past storefronts and slender houses, the quaint Dutch life sets in. It’s this life — with its scenes of domesticity, milkmaids, and yes, that girl with the pearl earring — that the famed Dutch master so cherished during his lifetime in the city in the 1600s. And it’s one that comes alive for anyone who visits this city of about 100,000 people even centuries after Vermeer’s time. Granted, Delft is often overlooked as a tourist destination considering its larger, more cosmopolitan neighbors: Amsterdam is an hour by train and Den Haag (The Hague), some 25 minutes. But quaint does have a place and a time — and Delft exemplifies it. From the famed blue-and-white Royal Delft porcelain factory, to old Gothic churches, streets bordered by canals, and miles of bicycle paths, Delft is an ideal stop in the Netherlands. It’s also close enough for daytrips to Den Haag to visit the M.C. Escher Museum and, if you’re there in the spring, to see the famed tulips at Keukenhof.

Houses line a canal in the center of Delft, Holland, once home to painter Johannes Vermeer. Visitors can learn more about the artist at the Vermeer Center, as well as visit the facility where the famed Royal Delft porcelain is made and decorated.

Travel with us 4X & get the 5th ride FREE!

Wednesday, October 12 $109 per person “Me and My Girl” at DutchApple DinnerTheatre

This truly charming musical is about a working-class man who inherits a large fortune and the title of Earl, then discovers a branch of blue-blood relatives. The hit songs include The Lambeth Waltz, Once You Lose Your Heart, Leaning on a Lamppost, and Love Makes the World Go Round. This show will have you dancing in the aisles. A delicious buffet lunch precedes the show.

Saturday, November 12, $129 per person “Winter Wonderland” Christmas Show Join us at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA, for this warm and wonderful show of favorite holiday carols and songs, breathtaking music and dance, and a visit from Santa. Before the show enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord Restaurant.

Sunday, December 4 $129 per person Christmas in Nashville – Gaylord Opryland Resort The Gaylord Opryland Resort pulls out all the stops for Christmas to create their dazzling winter wonderland. This trip includes a Country Christmas Dinner and Show with Louise Mandrell; the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, complete with the famous Rockettes; the Gaslight Theatre ice sculptures, and so much more. Make this a Christmas season to remember. December 11-13 $995 per person, dbl. occ.

Call us for more information on these and our other trips.

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Delft From page 41 On a visit here with my boyfriend, we became intimately acquainted with the

bells of the Nieuwe Kerk, hearing them each morning from Hotel Emauspoort, where we were staying. Our room at the hotel was actually one of two Dutch caravans set up inside the

BEACON BITS

Sept. 20

SUPREME COURT TOUR

Visit the hall of American Justice on Tuesday, Sept. 20 and experience a variety of educational programs. Lunch can be bought individually in the cafeteria. The trip departs from Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington Va., at 8 a.m. and from Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 S. 18th St., Arlington, Va., at 8:15 a.m. It returns at 2 p.m. and is $10 for residents of Arlington County and $13 for non-residents. For more information or to register for this or other trips, call (703) 228-4748.

Sept. 10+

PICK AND PEDAL

Cruise 13.3. miles on Saturday, Sept. 10 or Saturday, Oct. 8 on a comfortable mountain bike while enjoying Western Howard County farm land. The ride begins and ends at Larriland Farms, 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, Md., and after the tour, berries, apples and vegetables are available for picking and purchase. The tour is $49.95 and includes bikes, helmets and water. Bring your own bike and pay only $25. Visit www.terrapinadventures.com or call (301) 725-1313.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

courtyard. The trailer-like caravans look like wheeled wooden circus wagons, though they’re equipped with heat, shower, toilet and TV. They’re named for a famous Dutch clown character, Pipo, and his wife Mammaloe. Caravans cost about $135 (95 euros) per night. Inside the hotel, a themed-Vermeer room costs $216 (150 euros). For more info, see www.emauspoort.nl/eng.

A side trip to Den Haag The home of the United Nation’s International Criminal Court offers a larger city feel and standout museums, well worth a trip from Delft. The museum devoted to the avant-garde graphic artist M.C. Escher is well worth the trip to Den Haag alone. Visitors to the museum, Escher in Het Paleis, see the works of Dutch-born Escher displayed in the Lange Voorhout Palace, which has been owned by the Dutch royal family for more than a century. The museum showcases Escher’s life and work, while also

telling the story of the royal family. Even the light fixtures in each room are a sight. Entry is a bargain at $11.50 (8 euros) — look for a euro-off coupon at tourist centers. Splurge on the $7 (5 euros) chance to play with depth and be in your own Escher-style keepsake print picture (and accompanying digital copy). See www.escherinhetpaleis.nl. To see one of Vermeer’s most famous works, “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” and art by other Dutch masters including Rembrandt van Rijn, visit the Mauritshuis. Housed in a stately 17th century mansion, the collection is also called the Royal Picture Gallery. Entry ranges from $15 to $17 (10.50-12 euros), depending on the season. (Check before you go as the museum is to begin renovations in April 2012.) See www.mauritshuis.nl/index.aspx?siteid=54.

A tulip wonderland If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss Keukenhof. This massive garden is open from late March to late May — when literally millions of Holland’s famed tulips, and other botanical delights, are on display. Cheesy but fun, Keukenhof is like an amusement park for flowers. A calliope at the entrance plays hits by the Bee Gees. Visitors can climb a windmill, take a boat tour through canals and tulip fields, and step into giant wooden shoes. See www.keukenhof.nl. It’s reachable from Den Haag or Delft by hopping a train to nearby Leiden and then catching a bus. A $30 (21 euros) ticket from the tourist center across from the train station covers garden admission and round-trip bus ride; otherwise admission alone is $21 (14.50 euros). To see colorful tulip fields in the area, rent bikes outside the park starting at $12 (8.5 euros). — AP

BEACON BITS

Sept. 17 BENEFITTING OUR TWO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN GERMANTOWN AND SILVER SPRING

SAVE THE DATE

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Saturday, September 24, 2011 Marriott Wardman Park 2660 Woodley Road, NW

Washington, D.C.

To purchase raffle and event tickets, donate auction items or for more information, call 301-754-7130 or visit holycrosshealth.org Please check out our online auction, which goes live Monday, September 12th www.holycrosshealth.org/gala

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VISIT GETTYSBURG

Tour the Gettysburg Visitor’s Center, see a film about the battle and then listen with a step-on-guide as you drive through the battlefield. After lunch at the Gettysburg Visitor’s Center, not included, take an underground railroad tour to learn the stories of those who sought and fought for freedom. The trip departs George Washington RECenter, 8426 Old Mount Vernon Rd., Alexandria, Va., at 7 a.m. and returns at 10:30 p.m. It departs George Mason Library, 7001 Little River Tnpk., Annandale, Va., at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 10 p.m., and departs Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax, Va., at 8 a.m. and returns at 9:30 p.m. The trip costs $138 for Fairfax County residents and $153 for nonresidents. For more information, call (703) 324- 8687.

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Which destinations offer the best value? Looking to take a trip where you can ington, D.C. fairly close behind. enjoy luxury on the cheap? Recently, two Bangkok is the worldwide winner, at groups took a close look at rel$112. Others in the top 10 ative “values” in typical tourist offer a surprising range of destinations. visitor options and experiTripAdvisor, which bills itences, from Sofia, Warsaw, self as “the world’s largest onand Budapest in Europe, to line travel community,” comBeijing, Sharm-el-Sheikh, putes a “Best Value Index” for Kuala Lumpur, Auckland, cities around the world, based Marrakech and Dubai, all for on the combined cost of one $154 or less. night in a four-star hotel, a Again, the top end is what pizza, one dry martini and you’d expect, with Paris at $429 a five-mile taxi trip, as deter- TRAVEL TIPS and Zurich, London and Tokyo mined through extensive By Ed Perkins all higher than New York. input from travelers. To me, the most encouragIn the United States, Las Vegas is proba- ing finding here is how diverse the bestbly no surprise as the value leader. Interna- value cities are, especially in the internationally, Bangkok seems to be the winner. tional group. You can choose anything Las Vegas tops the domestic destination from steamy, exotic Bangkok, to crisp and list, which is no surprise. The TripAdvisor friendly Auckland, to architecturally stunindex for Vegas comes to $164. And I know ning Dubai, to beach resort Sharm-elyou can often enjoy five-star luxury hotel Sheikh, to historic Budapest and Warsaw. accommodations midweek for less than If you can’t find something you like in one $150 a night — accommodations that of these cities, you should stay home. would cost at least three times that in most The hamburger index other big U.S. cities. The Economist, that highly respected Next best, but at significantly higher index numbers (from $210 to $215), are business publication, just updated its Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta. The top unique “Big Mac Index.” Very simply, it’s end of the scale is no surprise, either: New the U.S. dollar equivalent of the local price York City, at $367, with Boston and Wash- of a Big Mac in each country.

The theory is that because the Big Mac is probably the world’s most widely available but totally standardized consumer purchase, relative Big Mac prices are a good guide to some combination of local currency valuation and local purchasing power. Although this concept seems simplistic, big time economists accept it as valid, and who am I to argue with big time economists? Thus, relative prices for a Big Mac are supposed to reflect overall relative costs, compared to the U.S. base. Surprisingly, Big Macs cost a lot less in several foreign countries than the average $4.01 they cost here in the U.S. Prices are below $2.50 in China, Egypt,

We offer the full continuum of care, all under one roof, and without an entry fee. Come enjoy luxurious independent living, attentive assisted living, plus rehabilitation and nursing care should you ever need it. Three meals a day, housekeeping, transportation, wellness programs and more are included in your rent. Plus — our onsite physicians’ clinic brings an internist, dentist, podiatrist, and massage therapist to you.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call (202)

966-7623.

www.methodisthomeofdc.org 4 9 0 1 C o n n e c t i c u t Av e n u e , N W • Wa s h i n g t o n , D C 2 0 0 0 8 - 2 0 9 4

Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand. They’re less than $3 in Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Taiwan. The world’s most expensive Big Macs are in Norway ($8.31), Switzerland ($8.06), and Sweden ($7.64); I know from experience that Finland, not covered in the survey, is also near the top. Prices in the most popular overseas destinations for Americans are $3.89 in Britain and $5 in Canada. For some reason, the Economist didn’t include France, Germany or Italy in the survey. I’m not surprised that Bangkok/Thailand See BEST VALUES, page 44

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Getting your garden ready for autumn By Ruth Kling In our area, we can still have hot weather into September. But autumn is all about preparing plants for their winter nap. It is very hard to imagine picking carrots sweetened by a touch of frost on days when the temperature is in the 90s and the humidity is close to 80 percent. Yet this is the time to prepare for many fall crops, even if the weather doesn’t feel like autumn yet. Eventually you will enjoy gardening outside again in cooler weather. Vegetables such as carrots, leeks, turnips, cabbages and Swiss chard should all be planted by early September. Lettuce, spinach and radishes can still be planted in mid-September. Perennial flowers, shrubs and herbs can

be planted and divided in the cooler days of September. Please choose a cool and slightly overcast day for transplanting and dividing. It will be easier on you and the plants will thank you for that, too. Direct sunlight is hard on roots. Roses should have had their last feeding in August and left alone, except for a bit of dead heading of the flowers, until late winter. This might be a good time to turn a compost pile and see what you have cooked up over the summer. As for trees and larger shrubs, generally there is nothing much to do except prune back dead parts and add mulch if there is none. We had a wet August, so watering should not be a problem for trees going into the autumn months.

Using raised beds If you are planning on new beds — whether for annuals, perennials or vegetables — this is the time to begin the work. No digging is required if you build up a raised bed of layered manure, compost and leaf mold and let the contents compost over winter. By spring, you will have a new bed ready for planting. This was the first year I have used raised beds assembled by this process, and they produced more and better vegetables. I still had to weed and water, but it was a bit easier. Cleaning up as vegetables and flowers are harvested is important. Dead plant matter will harbor pests, including diseases and even mice and voles. So clean up any dead stalks of annuals and perennials and compost them if they are from healthy plants. If plants look like they had some disease, however, throw them away with the garbage. If there are branches or sticks that are too thick to compost easily, try to send them to your county’s composting program. Again, if they are diseased, throw them away.

Planning for spring The last fall chore that I suggest you accomplish does not have anything to do with digging in the dirt or cleaning up after the harvest. Planning is as important as remembering to feed your plants. If you haven’t already, get a notebook or journal and write down which annuals, in-

Want to meet other seniors and enjoy yourself? Would you or your loved one benefit from having help or supervision during the day? Come learn new skills, share interests and develop friendships at our two supervised adult day programs.

Best values From page 43 comes out best in both systems or that Zurich/Switzerland scores close to the most expensive. Those findings correspond with my own observations. I’ve often noted that if you really wanted to vacation at rock-bottom cost, you’d probably head for a small city, town or state park relatively close to where you live. But that’s not very helpful in the real world. What I do find helpful is the finding, from

cluding vegetables, worked and which did not. List the names of these plants so you know what to order for next year. If you have not kept the seed packets or written down their names, try looking them up in old seed catalogs. Do this while the memory is fresh in your mind. Also, now is the time to write down where things were planted and what pests you experienced when. This will help you gauge when and where to plant next year. Vegetable crops should be rotated to a new spot each year, even in small gardens. I have vegetables planted in about 36 square feet of raised beds. (I planted a couple of squash plants on the side and potatoes in bags.) I divided the two 3x6 foot beds into four 3x3 beds and planted things from the same type of plant in each. Next year I can rotate them to keep pests from overwintering and infesting plants every year. The four types of plants are tomatoes (solanaceae), cole crops (cabbage), cucurbits (cucumbers, melon and squash), and peas and beans. If you have some annual flowers that had an infestation of something or experienced a bad case of powdery mildew or wilt, try planting them somewhere else as well. I have given you a lot to think about and a few things to do for your fall gardening chores. I hope you enjoy the autumn months and take advantage of the better gardening weather. Ruth Kling blogs about gardening at www.ruthsgarden.blogspot.com. Have questions? Email Ruth at Gardenruth@gmail.com.

both reports, that some very interesting and rewarding destinations also qualify as good values. Sure, if you’re in love with New York or Paris, you‘ll have to pay accordingly (though even there, going down market can cut your costs substantially). But if you want to combine good value with at least relative luxury, you’ll find that in Bangkok, Vegas, and lots of other places. Send email to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. © 2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

BEACON BITS

We provide: • transportation to Misler from your home and back • personalized attention • fun and stimulating activities

• lunch and snacks (kosher at Misler) • a welcoming atmosphere • financial assistance for those who qualify

Misler Adult Day Center (301) 468-1740

Gorlitz Kensington Club (301) 255-4204

located at Ring House in Rockville

located in Kensington

SAILING ON THE SULTANA

Take a trip on the full-scale reproduction of an 18th Century Royal Navy schooner, the Sultana, in Chestertown, Md., on Thursday, Sept. 15. Also enjoy a guided tour of the town and a crab cake lunch. The trip, sponsored by Montgomery County’s Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation (SOAR) Program, departs at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m., with a fee of $78. For more information about this or other trips, call (240) 777-4926.

Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)® 8127

WALKING TOUR OF SEMINARY HISTORIC DISTRICT

Enjoy a guided tour of the “fairytale” setting of the National Park Seminary Historic District on Saturday Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. The tour involves moderate walking outdoors and some interiors with stairs. It begins across from 2755 Cassedy St., Silver Spring, Md., in front of the Gymnasium. Parking is available on Linden Ln. and Ament St. A $5 donation per person is requested. For more information or detailed directions, call (301) 589-1715 or visit www.saveourseminary.org.

Sept. 15

www.AccessJCA.org

Sept. 24

52847

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A Special Supplement to The Beacon newspaper

Our annual Home Run race is

October 16th at Federal Plaza

Page 7

September 2011/No. 22

memories, but the one she describes with particular pride is a bronze bust of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, commissioned by University of Pennsylvania alumni for the campus library to mark their 30th reunion. Shocked by the 1995 assassination of Rabin, the group “This gets curved, this gets heated, this chose Simon to design a sculpture to honor Mr. Rabin’s gets cut,” says Marilyn W. Simon, a sculptor, efforts to build peace between Israel and her Middle retired art teacher and new resident of Ring East neighbors. House, as she holds aloft a thick rectangular Drawing inspiration from 50 photographs of Rabin slab of chocolate-colored wax. In a lecture to fellow taken at different times and from varying angles, Simon Ring House residents, she explains the complex produced a bust of elegant strength, measuring 25” by process by which an imaginative vision is trans13” by 9”. A second, smaller-scale bust was created and formed into a bronze sculpture – beginning with presented in 1999 – as The Shalom Chaver Award the creation of a wax or clay form. for International Leadership – to President and Mrs. To some, the process represents a staggering Bill Clinton by the Yitzhak Rabin Center for Israel expenditure of time and effort, but to artists like Studies in Tel Aviv as part of a celebration and tribSimon, it’s a passion – and one to which she has ute to the late leader. The award pays respect to devoted her professional energies since the 1980s. “men and women whose defining acts of leadership Indeed today, at age 84, she is moving quickly to and vision exemplify Yitzhak Rabin’s legacy of peace convert a second bedroom in her Ring House and tolerance.” apartment into a sculpture studio to continue her In “Express It!” art classes at Ring House, aesthetic endeavors. directed by Deborah Rittenhouse, Activity Simon has exhibited her bronzes in 116 selected Coordinator, Simon is finding pleasure in sketching juried and invitational shows and eight one-person residents as they work on art projects in a host of shows; she has received awards for 16 pieces, and media. These classes, organized to stimulate an her artwork is included in 11 private and public Ring House resident Marilyn exchange of ideas and provide a warm setting collections in this country and Israel. Ring House Simon sculpted this graceful for socializing, open new avenues to artistic displayed some of her favorite works in a case bronze ballerina. Her bust of discovery for all Ring residents – and are further near the first floor library. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak reason why Ring House is such an invigorating Rabin was presented to former All of Simon’s unique pieces evoke special community for seniors. ■ President and Mrs. Bill Clinton.

Adding the “life spirit” to sculpture by Emily Tipermas

HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES LANDOW HOUSE • RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER

All about Power of Attorney

Plans for our second century

John Lithgow at Starlight Lounge

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Provide&Protect Seminar

Attorney: Evan Krame

Learn how to “Provide & Protect” your family through this free seminar.

Reserve your spot now.

Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 11 a.m. Wasserman Residence Board Room

RSVP by Monday, October 31 to 301.770.8342 or to pitkin-shantz@hebrew-home.org

www.hebrew-home.org/PlannedGiving

Generation to Generation Explaining Powers of Attorney As life unfolds, a time may come where you’re unable or unavailable to handle your personal affairs, be they legal, business, financial, medical, or philanthropic. It’s wise to prepare in advance for this possibility, and one of the best ways to do this is to create a document called “Power of Attorney,” or POA, that enables you, the “principal,” to appoint a person or organization to make decisions on your behalf as your “agent” or “Attorney-in-Fact.” There are five kinds of POA • General POA – Your agent is authorized to manage all your affairs when necessary, from personal to business. • Limited (or Special) POA – Power in this case pertains only to specific circumstances, such as selling a piece of real estate or making financial decisions, to name but a few. • Financial POA – This power is limited to matters dealing with financial institutions. • Health Care POA/Medical POA – The agent is granted power to make crucial (often life/death) health care decisions on your behalf. • Durable POA – This power may be a combination of those listed above, and continues if you become disabled. It allows your power-ofattorney document to remain in effect or be activated if a physician certifies that you can no longer make any of your own decisions. The best agent for you Choosing your agent, or attorney-in-fact, boils down to a matter of trust: whom can you trust to make wise, proper and objective decisions on your behalf, keeping your best interests

Page 2 | September 2011

in mind? Who has enough financial acumen or familiarity with your values, wishes, and preferences? POA problems – Maryland’s response Infrequently, problems may arise when an agent uses a POA. On the one hand, at some banks or financial institutions, agents attempting to handle a transaction may confront a legal department insisting on lengthy review of the POA document, resulting in excessive delay to complete a presumably simple task. In other instances, a dishonest agent may act unethically, ignoring the interests of the principal. Because of these and similar cases of inconvenience or unsuitable behavior, Maryland passed the Maryland General and Limited Power of Attorney Act, effective October 1, 2010. As comprehensive as the 14-page form appears, it does not include critical provisions that often affect seniors. For example, according to Evan Krame, an attorney with expertise in elder law and special needs issues, the POA form may not give an agent the necessary power to help the principal qualify for Medicaid or make gifts to loved ones. [Note: Virginia and DC have not adopted statutory powers of attorneys.]

For details, consult your attorney, visit www.msba.org or read these articles by attorneys at Bethesda law firm Learch Early & Brewer, posted at www.learchearly.com: • “Protecting Your Wishes: Appointing Your Attorney-in-Fact,” by Frank S. Baldino and Christine E. Buckley. • “Maryland’s New Statutory Power of Attorney: Should You Have One?”, by Richard N. Rupercht. ■ www.smithlifecommunities.org

Attorney Evan Krame speaks November 3.

Initiatives Charles E. Smith Life Communities offers ongoing seminars for individuals in the metropolitan area to learn about estate-planning concepts, from basic to complex. These informative sessions are organized by our Director of Gift Planning Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP®. There is no admission fee. The upcoming seminar, set for November 3 and titled “Provide and Protect,” will examine specific tools to help you write or update your will. The seminar takes place at 11 a.m. in the Wasserman Residence Board Room with attorney Evan Krame. At the conclusion, attendees will be able to schedule confidential follow-up meetings to address particular questions. To reserve a seat at the seminar, please contact Julia at 301.770.8342 or pitkin-shantz@hebrew-home.org

Perspectives “Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” — Denis Waitley, American Writer

LifeTimes

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

BREAKING NEWS We are pleased to share the news that Standard & Poor’s Rating Services has raised the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington’s bond rating from BBB+ to A- with stable outlook. This is quite an achievement in today’s uncertain economy and long-term care environment. The upgrade occurred at the same time in August that that S&P put all six of its rated for-profit operators on Credit Watch with a negative outlook. The news should be additional comfort to individuals considering

New Initiatives Two women who are neighbors at Revitz House have lived together once before. These women share a remarkable history and a friendship that stemmed from sharing a plank for a bed in Auschwitz during World War II. Both survived the concentration camp, went on to live separate lives, and Warren R. Slavin, now are neighbors once again, living one President/CEO floor apart, one above the other. This is just one example of why we exist: to provide a caring, safe community for our elders, 1,000 seniors every day, each with a remarkable story to tell. Our organization likewise has a remarkable story. LifeTimes shares news about our emerging initiatives, plans that touch every level of care on our campus: • A new residence, the Cohen-Rosen House, an 18-unit specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia assisted living residence, will break ground in October. • In our therapy center, we already provide state-of-the-art stroke recovery care. Treatments and equipment offered here include VitalStim Therapy which uses small electrical currents to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing, and FEES, a fiberoptic evaluation that analyzes swallowing issues. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Elsie and Marvin Dekelboum Family Foundation, renovations will encompass state-of-the-art therapy equipment, environment and modalities. We will also create an extensive “daily activities” area to assist patients returning to their homes. In addition, accommodations for patients at the Rakusin Rehabilitation Center will be upgraded. • Apartment remodeling and modernization at our Ring House residence gives these independent living apartments a fresh new. • And last, but not least, in Revitz House, apartment and community space upgrades will provide a attractive environment and additional amenities. At 101 we are still growing, and still true to our Jewish values. These enhancements to our campus services are possible through our Centennial Campaign, a $30 million effort chaired by Audrey and Marc Solomon. We invite you to participate in these exciting developments as we begin our second century of caring.

Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO

LifeTimes

S&P also noted the strong occupancy levels throughout our system of care and our ability to manage operations successfully through reimbursement challenges. For information about Charitable Gift Annuities, call Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP® at 301.770.8342; to learn how you can join our community of support through our annual Guardian Campaign, call Lisa Friedman at 301.770.8328.

MS Support Group helps younger residents

FirstPerson

Charles E. Smith Life Communities

establishing Charitable Gift Annuities that make payments for life. The rating also demonstrates the vital significance of our community-based philanthropic support, because without the generous support of donors, we could not achieve the coveted improvement in our rating.

Most residents who come to the Hebrew Home seek long-term care for age-related illness and frailty. Others, however, arrive for a different reason: diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord, they have “When I first came here, I reached the point where they require felt like I was the only significant assistance, but they are one,” said Paula Wolff who has joined the MS Support generally younger than the average Group at the Hebrew resident. The Home serves a dozen individuals grappling with the disease. Home. “I just wanted to meet people with sympWhen Orly Leizerov, a University toms like mine. We’re all of Maryland social work student, began different, but we all have an internship at the Home last year, questions and the inforshe created an innovative support mation they provide is so valuable.” group to address their unique needs. With guidance from the MS Society and MS Foundation, this group helps residents: • Gain support from each other and build social relationships. • Learn more about the disease, current research and effective coping skills. • Understand the impact of stress on the progression of MS. • Address issues related to living in a nursing home. ■

New medical director appointed James E. Lett II, M.D. brings more than 30 years of experience to his new position as Vice President, Medical Affairs at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. His certifications include Family Medicine, Certificate of Added Qualification in Geriatrics, and Certified Medical Director, Dr. James E. Lett II, Long-Term Care Facilities. VP, Medical Affairs Dr. Lett‘s career has focused on frail elders, quality oversight and transitions in care. He was president of the 7,000-member American Medical Directors Association, 2003-4, and he has testified on long-term care issues before the U.S. Senate Commission on Aging. With a full-time medical director and medical staff of seven physicians, a podiatrist and nurse practitioner, the Charles E. Smith Life Communities is unique among senior living providers in the metropolitan area. ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

September 2011 | Page 3

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

What’s new about Ring House?

Everything. Granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, individual washer/dryer, walk-in showers, new trim, new carpeting. Call 301.881.5012 to check out our new apartments for independent living.

The Centennial Campaign offers opportunities for you to Building on our past history of help bring our plans to life: growing, changing and adapting • For dedication opportunities, contact Susan Moatz at to the needs of the community 301.816.7746. we are transforming our service • Support our annual campaigns and events. delivery and our care environment • Consider a legacy gift. throughout our campus.

New Cohen-Rosen House

• Use the coupon on page 5 to purchase personalized tiles to support operations.

The welcoming living room will look out on a beautiful memory courtyard.

The Cohen-Rosen House will be a gracious home for memory-challenged residents.

Resident photos by Randy Sager

Blueprint for our 2nd century

www.ringhouse.org

Open and inviting, the dining room will provide a casual gathering place.

The two-story activity room will become a daily hub for residents.

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www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

I’m independent. I make my own decisions. Sometimes, I need a little help to stay that way. Revitz House is an exceptionally friendly, affordable community — unique in its price range for the services you’ll find here, such as free bus transportation to shopping and cultural outings, a bountiful dinner each evening, and Independence Plus! This special program offers a menu of popular services such as medication reminders, shower assistance and light housekeeping at extremely affordable prices. Find the key to maintaining your independence right here in Rockville, from just $1,054 a month. For more information call 301.770.8450

www.revitzhouse.org

Wasserman Residence Renovations The Elsie & Marvin Dekelboum Therapy Center will provide state-ofthe-art physical, occupational and speech therapy.

The new Rena and David Rutstein Bistro will become an attractive gathering spot for residents, family members, staff and volunteers.

Revitz House Redesign

REVITZ HOUSE

The upcoming redesign for Revitz House will improve all public spaces of the building, providing more space and an improved flow. The Parlor/Café will be a gathering place with Internet access and senior-friendly computers.

✁ Your name Daytime phone

Show your support of our community’s elders With each gift of at least $250, you can dedicate a tile that will be placed adjacent to the newly renovated Elsie & Marvin Deckelboum Therapy Center in the Wasserman Residence. Each 3” x 6” ceramic tile can contain up to three lines, 34 characters per line, including punctuation and spaces. While you may purchase multiple tiles, we cannot guarantee that they will be situated next to one another. For questions, please call 301.770.8409. LifeTimes

E-mail

■ Check enclosed, payable to Hebrew Home of Greater Washington ■ Charge my gift to ■ Visa ■ MasterCard ■ AmEx Account #

Expiration date

Signature

Mail to: Hebrew Home Development Office, 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville MD 20852.

www.smithlifecommunities.org

September 2011 | Page 5

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Bring the fall season into the room of a Hebrew Home resident with a colorful arrangement of flowers. Flowers brighten Shabbat and other special occasions. For information or to place an order, contact the Hebrew Home’s Volunteer Department at 301.770.8333 or online at www.hebrew-home.org/family.

IT MAY BE USED… BUT IT’S NOT USELESS! Consider donating your car to the Hebrew Home. Proceeds benefit our elderly residents. It’s an easy, tax-deductible gift… and we offer FREE towing. For more information,

please contact us at

301.770.8329. Making a difference

LifeLines

Hannah Weisman, pictured here with her little sister Abby, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in May at Shaare Torah Congregation. One of the places she chose to receive donations was the Harry L. Sotzky Fund at the Hebrew Home, named for her step-grandfather. “I felt that a good way to connect to my family on my Bat Mitzvah was to have people to donate there, in his memory. My stepgrandmother lived at the Hebrew Home, and we would visit her when we were little. I’m hoping now that my Bat Mitzvah is finished, that I could be more involved. Thank you so much!”

In Our Mailbox Dear Mr. Slavin: My mother, Eudice Fingold, was a resident on 5 North in Wasserman for almost eight years beginning in June 2003. Prior to that, she had been living at the assisted living facility as part of the Ring House (before Landow House was built) for four years. Over the past 12 years, her health slowly and painfully declined. She died on March 10, 2011 at the age of 96. I am writing this letter to acknowledge the efforts by your staff to keep Mom as comfortable as possible. I am hesitant to try to identify all of the individuals by name, as I know I cannot remember every single name. However, Marva and her staff on 5 North did more than just perform their jobs. Wonjiku in the day shift and Christiana in the afternoon shift, along with the other charge nurses, kept me informed as various events took place. The nursing staff and aides for all 3 shifts are to be commended for looking out for Mom’s comfort. Tiffany, the secretary, took care of many details for me. The dietitian and activities directors worked to make sure she received the best attention. Over the years, I have dealt with several social workers. All of them were caring individuals, providing me with information during the quarterly meetings and at other times. Kristin Jones, who was our most recent social worker, was exceptional in her attention to various details. Dr. Patel and the Evercare staff, especially Hilary Rosenberg, were responsive to Mom’s needs and to my need to remain informed. Evercare Hospice played a particularly important and comforting role in the last year. The resident banker, Veronica, along with the Accounting staff, including Rosemary, addressed one issue after another. During the course of Mom’s years as a resident at the Hebrew Home, I, as her primary caregiver, encountered issues almost every few weeks. Often I would have to search for solutions. The individuals, both named and unnamed in the above paragraph, worked with me to address my concerns. As I proceed through this painful mourning phase, I am mindful of all the efforts from Hebrew Home staff that were made on behalf of my mother. Sincerely,

Joan Spirtas

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is registered in Maryland as a charitable organization. Documents and information filed under the Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act may be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State, 410.974.5534. We are an equal opportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are open to all in the community.

Andrew S. Friedlander, Chair Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO Marilyn J. Feldman, Editor Nicholas B. Simmonds, Vice President, Development and Public Affairs © 2011 by The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852-4856, 301.881.0300

Page 6 | September 2011

Jessica Lee, an 11th grader at Winston Churchill High School, volunteered as a summer intern at the Hebrew Home in July, escorting, visiting and assisting residents. Jessica noted: “Nursing homes can never have enough help, and elderly residents require constant care such as pushing around their wheelchairs and keeping them company. Because I volunteered, I helped lessen the workload of some of the nursing home employees so they could focus on more specialized tasks. Because I visited residents, they knew there was someone else who cared for them. I learned that no matter how small a deed seems to me, I can make a world of difference for someone else.” ■

Announcements More parking A new parking lot on our campus increases the availability of free parking. The new lot is located between the Wasserman Residence and Revitz House. Turn left at the stop sign along the main drive to access it. Click to connect Visit www.jconnect.org to find news about everything Jewish in the Washington metropolitan area. This new on-line resource includes a robust community events calendar, educational opportunities, employment and volunteer openings, a directory of Jewish agencies, synagogues, schools, camps, and more. The new community website is a collaborative project of local Jewish organizations. ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

I am interested in attending ■ Home Run 10k/5k/fun run on Oct. 16 as a ■ runner/walker ■ volunteer ■ President’s Circle Dinner at the Renwick, Nov 13 ■ Starlight Lounge with John Lithgow, Dec. 7

Please contact me Daytime phone: e-mail: Find event details and RSVP at www.hebrew-home.org Mail to: Hebrew Home Development Office 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville MD 20852.

President’s Circle offers private tour of White House exhibit

EventMakers Starlight Lounge welcomes John Lithgow Join us on Wednesday evening, December 7, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel for Starlight Lounge, as we honor Carolyn and David Ruben with the 2011 Guardian Leadership Award and welcome entertainer John Lithgow. Lithgow is a Tony- and Emmy-award winning actor, Grammy nominee, author and singer who John Lithgow headlines will return to Broadway next spring to star Starlight Lounge. in “The Columnist,” a new drama. John Lithgow will share his many adventures in the entertainment industry. Fans remember Mr. Lithgow as the loopy character of the alien High Commander on 3rd Rock from the Sun and his more recent dramatic role on Showtime’s Dexter. In addition to his highly recognized acting accomplishments, Mr. Lithgow is also a prolific writer of children’s books and music. In September, Harper Collins will release his backstage memoir, Drama: An Actor’s Education. The evening is a thank you to donors to the Centennial Campaign and the Guardian Campaign. A minimum gift of $750 ($500 for first time attendees or under 40) entitles donors to two tickets to the event, which includes a buffet dinner. Dietary laws will be observed. Remy and Alan Freeman and Alisa and Aaron Rulnick co-chair the evening. 2011 Tribute Chairs are Eileen and Arthur Dykes and Susan and Peter Rushford. For more information, visit the website at www.hebrew-home.org or call 301.770.8329. ■

Time to Run! The annual Home Run 10k/5k & fun run is around the corner – Sunday, October 16. It’s a super way to come together and support the Hebrew Home whether you’re a first timer, mid-pack or veteran runner. Early Bird Registration is available at www.hebrew-home.org/homerun. This year we’re staging a contest: the Team Organizer whose team raises the most money by Friday, October 7 wins a free onemonth membership with three personal training sessions at Fitness First in Rockville’s Wintergreen Plaza. Go to www.hebrew-home.org/ homerun for details about forming a team; go to www.facebook.com/ ceslc for more contest details. Want to volunteer? Contact Carolyn Lesesane at 301.770.8329 or lesesane@hebrew-home.org. A note to students: Community Service credits are available. Finally – we offer plenty of great exposure for business sponsors. Learn more at www.hebrew-home.org/homerun. ■ LifeTimes

The President’s Circle Dinner is a special “thank you” for Benefactor and President’s Circle donors to the 2011 Guardian Campaign and to Major Gift donors. This year’s event, on Sunday, November 13, takes place at the Smithsonian American Art Museum – the Renwick Gallery on Pennsylvania Ave., NW, and features a private tour of the new exhibit, “Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House.” The evening is generously hosted by Susan and David Fink. Join Robyn Kennedy, Chief of the Renwick Gallery, as we explore this unique exhibit of White House furnishings, followed by dinner in the elegant Grand Salon. Many of the objects on display were made by the most celebrated craftsmen of their time and some have never been seen outside the White House. For information call 301.770.8328. ■

Guardian Campaign seeks $1.18 million Since the founding of the Hebrew Home in 1910, we have counted on our many friends to help us fulfill our mission to care for the area’s elderly, regardless of their financial status. Support from the Hebrew Home’s annual Guardian Campaign makes it possible for us to reassure families of the elderly and infirm in our community that there is a place where their loved one will be cared for in a warm, Jewish environment. As the Home begins its second century, we face grave challenges. Over 70% of our residents are recipients of Medicaid. Medicaid reimbursement does not cover the entire cost of care and, as a result, we will suffer a projected budget shortfall of $2.5 million this year. Guardian Campaign Chairs Jeffrey Pargament and Jeffrey Distenfeld and their committee of dedicated volunteers seek to raise $1.18 million to help offset the budget deficit. Your generous gift to the campaign will carry on the legacy of earlier generations and help us continue to provide a safe home and outstanding care to those who once cared for us. We will be thanking donors of $500 or more to the Guardian Campaign at the “Starlight Lounge” on Wednesday, December 7 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. For more information about the Guardian Campaign, please contact Lisa Friedman at 301.770.8328 or friedman@hebrewhome.org. You can make a gift at www.hebrew-home.org. ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org

September 2011 | Page 7

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Save the dates

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Our best wishes for a happy, healthy and joyous new year, L’shana tova.

a Home Run R

eral Plaza

8:30 am, Fed

ctober 25 Tuesday, O ts for Home fi terans Bene

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Care & A

vitz House 3 – 4 pm, Re 16.5052 RSVP: 301.8

ber 3 m e v o ay, N ar Thursd Protect” Semin e

Veterans’s benefits seminar

Noted resident author speaks

Tuesday, October 25 from 3 to 4 p.m., at Revitz House

Wednesday, October 19, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Jewish Community Center

Thursday, October 27 from 6 to 7 p.m., at Ring House

Sunday, November 20 2 p.m., Writer’s Center in Bethesda Mollee Kruger, awardwinning writer and Ring House resident, speaks at the “Poetry in Person” series at the JCC in Rockville. Her presentation, “Confessions of a Light Verse Writer,” includes humorous poems garnered from her seven books and Jewish Week columns. At the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Kruger will base her program on her recently- published memoir, The Cobbler’s Last. Find details at Facebook.com/ceslc. ■

Learn how veterans’ benefits can help pay for home care and assisted living services for qualified veterans and their surviving spouses. Neil Kaplan, of Kaplan Insurance Services, presents this VA Benefits Seminar on behalf of the American Association for Wartime Veterans. The program is free and open to the community. RSVP for the time you prefer at 301.816.5052.

“Plan &

esidenc R n a m r Wasse 11 am, oom Board R 8342 01.770. 3 : P V S R

Sunday, November 13 President’s Circle Dinner 7 pm, Renwick Gallery Information: 301.770.8328

✓ check 8111 or for CFC ■ ✓ check 49705. Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to United Way ■

Wednesday, December 7 Starlight Lounge 6:30 pm, Bethesda North Marriott Featuring John Lithgow

Our Other Special Events First Sunday of each month Jewish War Veterans, 10:30 am, Ring House Veterans and interested persons welcome

Taivan Odzorig, a rising Walter Johnson freshman, picked up gardening skills from his mom. As one of an outstanding group of summer student volunteers on campus, Taivan put his skills to good use working in the SmithKogod garden, where he helped plant vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Resident Charlie Schulan is happy to kibbitz and enjoy a sunny day.

For more information about community events, resident programs and family support groups, visit www.hebrew-home.org and www.smithlifecommunities.org

How to reach us... ■

■

Hebrew Home 301.770.8476, Rehab 301.770.8450, Long Term www.hebrew-home.org Revitz House 301.881.7400 www.revitzhouse.org

Page 8 | September 2011

■

Hirsh Health Center 301.816.5004

Ring House 301.816.5012 www.ringhouse.org

■

Landow House 301.816.5050 www.landowhouse.org

Volunteer Programs 301.770.8333

www.smithlifecommunities.org

LifeTimes

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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Historian David McCullough brings 19th century Paris to life. See story on page 57.

Theater workshops keep creativity flowing resent a branching out of their effort to “change the world by unlocking the creative and collaborative potential of children and adults,” as its mission statement declares.

Laughing with Neil Simon It’s definitely unlocking something this morning in the Jefferson’s assisted living wing. Today’s focus is a reading of the old Neil Simon play, California Suite, with each participant playing a role. Brandishing a wireless microphone like a daytime TV talk-show host, Roth rushed from reader to reader, pointing to lines and helping each senior negotiate Simon’s dialogue. Laughter filled the room, amplified through recessed speakers, as they rolled through the comedy. Jack had seemed disengaged at the beginning, slouching in his wheelchair. But as the reading progressed, he gradually became more animated, sitting straighter, his voice rising and falling with dynamic inflection. “I love the company here,” said Grady, another reader. “It energizes me.” He clearly relished the jokes, especially the ribald jests. But when he stated he’d like to take part

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By Michael Toscano “Everybody shake those arms. Janice, can you shake those arms?” Patti Green Roth is trying to invigorate a group in a sun-drenched and well-appointed activity room. Several are in wheelchairs; others relax in a variety of seats arrayed in a semi-circle. “Up to the sky and down to the floor,” she cajoled, raising her arms. A few moments later, the petite bundle of energy had her audience rotating their heads to relax neck and shoulder muscles. Next, they are loudly “ooohing” and “aaahing” to loosen up their mouths. It’s not physical therapy. It’s art. Welcome to one of this week’s Creative Age “theater workshops” at the Jefferson, a retirement community in Arlington, Va. Roth is an instructor with Educational Theatre Company (ETC), a non-profit organization of theater professionals who share their love of the art form by bringing it mostly to children in Washington-area communities through a series of in-school and vacation programs. The Creative Age workshops for older adults at area senior living communities rep-

Patti Green Roth works with Creative Age participant Grady during the reading of a play. Creative Age theater workshops for older adults are held in four retirement residences in Northern Virginia and will begin at several senior centers this fall.

in a more formalized performance, it’s not the ham in him that is speaking. He doesn’t read plays on his own or think a lot about theater. No, it’s the disciplined lawyer he was for decades who is emerging here. “The organization of rehearsal and the discipline it needs would

be helpful to us,” he explained. For Ginny, the enjoyment of performance sparks a memory from a long-ago childhood, and she began softly singing a traditional French hymn, her light voice See CREATIVE AGE, page 54

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Creative Age From page 53 undimmed by the passage of years. “Il est ne, le divin Enfant…” she sang. “My Daddy couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it,” Ginny laughed, enjoying the memory. “But he taught us to love music.” According to Tom Mallan, ETC’s director of professional development and one of its teachers, “it’s really about participation. Our goal is to get them reading a character and interacting. “When the characters are speaking back and forth, we can get a volley going, like a tennis match, and then we know we’ve succeeded for the day.”

Drama discussions, too Later in the day, Mallan’s class for resi-

dents in the independent living wing of the Jefferson will split its time between guided discussion of drama and reading from a play. This workshop is more formal than the earlier session, and Mallan leads a classroom-style discussion ranging from Shakespeare to Restoration Comedy, and touching on symbolism in such serious plays as Death of a Salesman. It’s not all heavy going, though, especially after he compares a scene from 1773’s She Stoops to Conquer by Irish playwright Oliver Goldsmith, to TV’s “Seinfeld.” It becomes a two-way, animated discussion between the teacher and the eight participants. And the teacher finds his students teaching him. “I don’t think I had been listening enough to people older than me,” Mallan said. “I was accustomed to reaching out to children to give them a voice, but this has

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

been exciting because, while I’m offering something to them, it’s really about what I learn from them. “With our kids and teens, we study theater to instill wisdom or help them learn about life. Well, all that is out the window here. There’s no point in me giving life advice to these folks,” he said. He motions to Laura, sitting in a wheelchair with a massive volume titled The Complete Works of William Shakespeare perched on her lap. She also has an orange highlighter poised over her script of the Goldsmith play they had been reading. Laura moved to D.C. during World War II from her native Georgia to work at the brand new Pentagon. She and husband Bob raised two sons and did some acting together in community theater. In January 2010, they moved to the Jefferson and quickly signed up for the ETC workshop. Laura recently lost Bob, however, just as the workshop class was studying the 15th century play Everyman. It’s a serious work, examining salvation after death and how humans can earn it. “Suddenly the play took on an incredible depth because it’s a warning that you can’t take anything with you but your good deeds,” Mallan said. “Death tells this man he has to take this journey, but nothing but his deeds can go with him, not strength, not beauty, or anything else.” Mallan continued, “This is very significant to people at this stage of their lives and,

boy, did they ever have some profound reactions to it. I asked Laura if we should switch plays, maybe do a romantic comedy. But she said ‘No, this is helping me reflect.’” Laura agreed, adding, “I think most of us would enjoy these workshops, especially if you like learning something new.” ETC receives grants from such groups as the Arlington Arts Commission, corporations and civic organizations. Students pay tuition fees for the vacation time or after-school programs, but the Creative Age workshops are offered by the Jefferson to its residents. The funding supports ETC’s teaching staff of about 40 theater professionals. Mallan, for instance, has taught and directed theater and opera across the Washington area and overseas for more than 15 years. Roth has been a director, producer and actor and an educator of children and adults with and without disabilities.

Differences of opinion At a later workshop for the independent living residents, a visitor finds the discussion continuing even after the class is over. Roth has filled in for Mallan and had the class read from Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers, rather than the classic works Mallan usually has them study. But not everyone was pleased. Resident Roseline was one of them. See CREATIVE AGE, page 55

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Daughter writes of dad’s dancing career learned to tap dance. He was a telegram delivery boy when he moved here in 1927. One of the other boys was showing off his tap dancing moves when Weldon said, “Hey, show me how to do that.” He taught himself all he could and then he went to Howard University looking for students with tap-dancing experience who would teach him what they knew. Weldon and his dance partner, Honey Dalzell, traveled the vaudeville circuit until 1937. They performed together and with an ensemble called the Britton Band. In 1941, Weldon was drafted into the army. He never stopped entertaining, though. In the army, he entertained soldiers; he took their minds off the war. Vaudeville did the same thing for the population at large. It took their minds off their troubles and let them relax. Weldon got first place in the talent show auditions for the army production, Snap It Up Again, while he was stationed at Fort Meade in Maryland.

“When she met him, in the late ’40s, she actually started putting the scrapbook together for him because he was losing [their photos and newspaper clippings], or he was giving stuff away. So she started getting him organized to keep the things,” McCabe said in an interview. In the introduction, McCabe admits that she did- Weldon Barr and dance partner Honey Dalzell are shown in a 1934 ad. n’t find her father’s vaudeville scrapbook particularly interesting tion. Luckily, she still had that scrapbook. Moon Over Vaudeville costs $19.95, $24.90 when she was growing up. But as she matured, she gained an appreciation for her with shipping. It can be purchased through the website www.moonovervaudeville.com, father’s vaudeville career. “Sadly, while my father was alive, it never or a check made out to Moon Over Vaudeoccurred to me to ask him about vaudeville, ville can be mailed to P.O. Box 757, Bellingwhich was undoubtedly one of the high- ham, WA 98227. McCabe can be reached at lights of his life,” she writes in the introduc- (360) 255-3790. COURTESY OF MAUREEN MCCABE

By Jacob Schaperow Moon Over Vaudeville by Maureen McCabe follows the travels of tap dancer Weldon Barr from one gig to another all over the United States, with long stops in the Washington area. Ostensibly, it is a biography of the author’s father, a 1930s entertainer. But Moon Over Vaudeville isn’t all about Weldon Barr. It’s about a time period. The most fascinating thing about this book is the sense of history it conveys. Looking at one of Weldon’s newspaper clippings, the first headline you see is “‘Slapsie Maxie’ Rosenbloom in Person!” with Weldon’s name boxed in red. The second headline you see is “The Real Story of Nazi Terror.” There’s more going on here than just vaudeville. McCabe, along with graphic designer Clyde Adams, used her father’s scrapbook to put together the book over the last two and a half years. This is McCabe’s first book, and her plans for the future include possibly doing a compilation on photographers of the time.

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Capturing memories Tap dancing through time The book details each significant phase in Weldon’s vaudeville career chronologically. It also goes into some detail about Weldon’s dance partner, the people he worked with, and the places where he performed. It was here in Washington where Weldon

Creative Age From page 54 “We started with ancient Greek theater and worked our way up to modern times. We’ve had Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy, and now this.” She paused, considering her words. “This, which I find unpalatable, really….I don’t like these characters. They are all stock figures. It’s not funny.” Lila jumped in, telling the visitor, “Well, I don’t agree with how she feels about the play at all. I’ll bet we could find analogies with any of Shakespeare’s comedies, or

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Weldon returned to the Washington area in 1947, after his Army service, to settle down and start a family. In 1949, he and his wife started Weldon Barr Dance Studio at 1735 Connecticut Ave., N.W. (now a photography store). During this time, his wife, Patty, got him started scrapbooking.

even the Greek and Roman plays, with all the characters who would resemble these modern characters. “I feel right at home with Neil Simon’s plays,” she said with a satisfied smile. “Oh, and it’s such a pleasure to hear how people come in and read the parts,” she added. Roseline laughed. “I never know what it’s going to be when I come here,” she said, gathering up some papers and preparing to leave. “But it’s always fun to find out.” For information on Educational Theatre Company’s Creative Age workshops, visit www.educationaltheatrecompany.org or call (703) 622-5139.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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The lives of famous Americans in Paris

A traffic jam started it The artists he discusses share two vital qualities, McCullough said. They all spent

at least some time in Paris and they all are in the same business as he is. They are historians, documenting the people, the customs and the conflicts of a given era. McCullough believes that artists share the glory of the presidents and military leaders he has celebrated as a historian, and he honors the creative spirit in his new book, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris. It’s a new telling of a classic American experience — living in Paris — inspired by the most dreary of American experiences, the traffic jam. McCullough was stuck a few years ago in Washington’s Sheridan Circle, where he had little better to do than stare at the equestrian statue of the circle’s namesake, Union general Philip Sheridan. “I was looking over at him and wondering how many people who drive around this circle every day had any idea who he was,’’ McCullough said as he drank from a cup of lemonade in the museum’s courtyard. “And at the same time I was thinking about that, Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ was playing on the radio. “And I thought, ‘Who is the more important person in American history. Who is the more important expression of who we are?’’’ he said. “And ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ started me thinking about Gershwin’s ‘An American in Paris.’ I grew up in Pittsburgh. (American in Paris star) Gene Kelly grew up in Pittsburgh. And it all sort of connects.’’

Lesser-known tales McCullough won a Pulitzer Prize a decade ago for his biography of John Adams and his new book is meant to validate Adams’ belief that his generation should study war and politics so that the grandchildren can pursue the fine arts. The Greater Journey begins decades after the Revolutionary War has been won, in the 1830s. McCullough ends in the early 20th century and doesn’t bother with the stories he reasons that readers already know: Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin in the 1780s; Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald in the 1920s. Instead, he tells of novelist James Feni-

AP PHOTO/JACQUELYN MARTIN

By Hillel Italie It’s hard to keep up with David McCullough at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. “I think it’s one of the real treasures of the capital city, really of the country,’’ said the 77-year-old historian of the museum during a recent afternoon interview. He was as excited as a school boy, walking quickly along hallways, up and down stairs, from room to room. “Here’s the painting I wanted to show you,’’ he said, stopping in front of an oil portrait by Abraham Archibald Anderson of a pensive, bow-tied Thomas Edison. “This has a nice story. Edison came to the World’s Fair in Paris in 1889. That was the fair that introduced the Eiffel Tower to the world. “He had some 400 of his inventions on display and was a sensation. The crowds followed him everywhere. The electric light was already transforming Paris, let alone the world. “So he hid to get away from the paparazzi and the crowds. He stayed with a friend of his [Anderson], and Anderson painted this portrait of him while he was in the studio.’’ He points out George Catlin’s sketches of Native Americans, and a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Painter George Healy is a special passion. McCullough marvels over Healy’s portraits of fiery-eyed South Carolina senator John C. Calhoun; a semi-casual Union general William Tecumseh Sherman, coat unbuttoned, hat in hand; a youthful take of Lincoln, painted in Illinois the year before he was elected president; a confident Confederate Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard, straight-backed and arms folded. “He painted this at the time of the attack on Fort Sumter. It ran only a short while after he had painted Lincoln in Illinois,’’ McCullough said of Healy. “The guy is like Forrest Gump. He keeps showing up wherever history is going on.’’

At the Smithsonian American Art Museum, historian and author David McCullough poses with art by George Catlin, one of the artists featured in his new book, The Greater Journey, about Americans in Paris in the 19th century.

more Cooper befriending painter and future inventor Samuel Morse, Catlin arriving with an entourage of Iowa Native Americans, the parallel lives of painters Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent, who stayed and worked in Paris around the same time but hardly knew each other. He frames the narrative, in part, around visits by author and lecturer Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. He is first seen as a medical student eager for distance from his Puritan father, then 50 years later, as a widower and international celebrity, paying an unannounced visit to Louis Pasteur so he could “look in his face and take his hand,

nothing more.’’ Midway through the book, McCullough devotes a long section to the German siege of Paris in 1870-71 and quotes extensively from rarely seen journals by the U.S. ambassador to France, Elihu Washburne. “That’s one of the biggest pleasures — that I learned so much. I love it when I’m learning something. That for me is the pull of the work,’’ he said. “I had a terrific time with every book I’ve written, but this is the best time I’ve ever had. I’ve had more pure joy in writing this book. See HISTORIAN, page 59

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Early retiree may have made poor choice I didn’t live through the Great Depres- worked as an information technology exsion, but sometimes I think I must have. ecutive. I don’t know what his salary was, I’m a planner, a saver and a but I can report that he drives worrier. I always think the sky a decked-out Mercedes, lives is about to fall — especially in a snazzy condo, and takes when it comes to money. European vacations whenevSo I balance the checkbook er the itch strikes. Obviously, to the penny. And I pay off he was comfortably above the mortgages early. And I buy federal poverty level. cars with cash. But then two earthquakes Twenty-five years before rehappened in the same year. tirement loomed, I was readHis company was bought out ing and mulling and squirrelby another, and he turned 55. HOW I SEE IT ing away every available cent. The buy-out happened four By Bob Levey Surprises, I would often say, months before the birthday are for others. — just long enough for my guy to look The other day, I bumped into one of the around, take a few sniffs and decide he others. I’m still shaking my head. didn’t like the aroma of the new manageThis man just retired — in all the wrong ment. ways and for all the wrong reasons. Then came the birthday that accountThroughout a very successful career, he ants call The Big Threshold. At many com-

panies, once you cross the doorstep and walk into The Land of 55, you can retire at a reduced pension rate. Of course, the economy ain’t what it used to be, and neither is life expectancy. On the day he turned 55, my guy could look forward to 24 more years of life, on average. If he retired that day, he would collect exactly half the pension he could have expected if he had stayed until 65. Meanwhile, partial Social Security benefits were at least seven years away, and full benefits were at least 11 years away. It didn’t take a planner-worrier to conclude that retirement for my guy would be dangerously premature. But he did it anyway. Here’s what he told me: “I really loved my old bosses and I really hated my new ones. I’m single and I don’t have any kids.

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Fridays 9:30pm Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore ....................10/14 Pearl Jam Twenty...................10/21 Miami City Ballet....................10/28 Give Me The Banjo..................11/4 Bill T. Jones: A Good Man ......11/11

Women Who Rock.................11/18 Il Postino from LA Opera .....11/25 Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park .................12/2 The Little Mermaid................12/16

National funding for the PBS Arts Fall Festival is provided by a generous grant from the Anne Ray Charitable Trust

Why not?” We’ll take those thoughts in order: 1) Retiring to escape a new, bad boss is cutting off your nose to spite your face. Couldn’t my guy have requested a transfer? He didn’t even ask. Couldn’t he have retired and then taken a new job at another company? My guy says he hasn’t even thought about it. Couldn’t he have given it another six months to see if first impressions might have been incorrect? My guy made a yukky face. 2) Even though he’s single and childless, my guy hasn’t seriously grappled with the cost of a roof and three meals a day. Those numbers are only going to grow. And what about expensive as-you-get-older necessities like medical insurance and long-term care insurance? My guy shrugged and said, “Hey, I’m healthy.” But that’s the one thing he can’t count on. 3) Why not retire? Because he made the decision under self-imposed pressure. Because he made it for emotional and not practical reasons. Because he has no significant savings. And because there is no turning back. If he changes his mind in three months, there are no do-overs. What’s so striking about this decision is that my guy isn’t reckless. He built his career in the right way — college, then internships, then graduate school, then start-small, then get-bigger. He is personally modest — no diamonds, no gold, no trophy girl friends. I once stood behind him in a coffee line and watched him bargain for three-quarters of a cup for three-quarters of the listed price. My kind of guy. But he will become everyone’s responsibility if our economy continues to roll and pitch in stormy seas. If his half-pension proves not to be sufficient, my guy will probably seek another full- or part-time job. But what if he can’t find one? He told me that he has savings to cover only about six months of the basics. Then, it’s either loans or unemployment checks. Neither is a serious strategy for the rest of his 50s, or his 60s, or his 70s. My guy is a grown-up, and he isn’t asking for public help. But he didn’t seek advice, either. That’s where I fault him — and his employer. When you’ve been pounding away at your career for 30 years, it’s sometimes hard to imagine the day when it stops. So there should have been a trip-wire in his path that would have prevented him from leaping at the first opportunity. His new employer should have said, “Sure, you can retire at 55 if you really want. But before we ladle out the first pension check, we’ll require you to attend three hours of briefings by investment people, insurance people and outplacement people. We don’t want you to have Retiree’s Remorse. We want this decision to be right for you, but also for your comSee BOB LEVEY, page 59

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Historian From page 57 Structurally, the form is my own creation. I cast it with my own characters. There’s no obligatory group I had to write about, no narrative chronology I had to follow.’’

A painter from his youth McCullough is a million-selling author, a two-time Pulitzer-winning biographer of presidents Adams and Harry Truman, and perhaps the most recognized historian alive today, with his white hair, jowls and fatherly baritone. But as a boy, and as a young man, he wanted to paint. At age 10, he was dazzled when his art teacher, Miss Mavis Bridgewater, demonstrated the two-point perspective on the blackboard. In college, at Yale University, he worked at being a portrait artist. If artists are really historians, then historians, ideally, are artists, he said. He sees himself as a kind of painter, “drawn to the human subject,’’ he once wrote, “to people and their stories.’’ Paris, of course, is part of the landscape. He remembers visiting the city for the first time in 1961, arriving in winter late at night, taking a long walk in the rain with his wife, Rosalee. For The Greater Journey, he flew over at least once a year, staying for two weeks. Just as he once re-enacted the morning walks of Truman in Washington, he wanted to make sure he had a firsthand sense of events in Paris. “I would go over to see how much I got wrong — by walking the walk, soaking it up, timing my walk from an apartment to the artist’s studio,’’ he said. McCullough was a writer and editor at the United States Information Agency when he first landed in Paris. He soon joined the history magazine American Heritage and while there worked on his first book, The Johnstown Flood. Released in 1968, Johnstown told of the 1889 disaster, the Hurricane Katrina of its day, that overwhelmed the town of Johnstown, Pa., and killed more than 2,000 people. He followed that with a story of success, “The Great Bridge,’’ published in 1972 and still regarded as the definitive account of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. “I feel in some way I’m coming back full circle. The Brooklyn Bridge is a great creation. It is a work of art, an American emblem, just as those pieces of sculpture by Saint-Gaudens are emblems,’’ he said,

Bob Levey From page 58 munity.” I suspect my guy would have leapt anyway. His yukky face was pretty passionate. But at least he would have looked before he leapt. And if the math hadn’t been

adding that publishers had wanted to write about the Chicago Fire or other disasters. McCullough said he loves the 19th century because of all the extraordinary changes — the telegraph, the telephone, the steam engine, the electric light. His latest book, though, comes during a 21st-century revolution. The Greater Journey is the first full-length McCullough release since 2005, a time before the Kindle, Nook or other e-book devices. The new market of digital readers could test even an author as beloved as McCullough. The announced first printing is big, around 500,000 copies, but less than half the 1.25 million for 1776, which came out well before Borders was shuttering stores around the country. And McCullough’s editor, Bob Bender at Simon & Schuster, doesn’t expect The Greater Journey to be a major e-book seller. “My guess is that e-book sales will be small,’’ Bender said. “This is the kind of book people will want to keep on their shelves. If we can toot our own horn a bit, it’s a beautiful book, and the images are better seen on paper. This book really makes the case for the physical book.’’

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Not a 21st century man McCullough doesn’t deny that he “lives in a different time.’’ He writes letters, not emails, and uses a manual typewriter. He doesn’t know a thing about computers, and although he was a longtime commentator for the PBS show “The American Experience,’’ he doesn’t bother with TV. He had no idea that his publisher had set up a website about his book, www.davidmccullough.com. He recently purchased a home in an old American city, Boston, and is far more tuned in to the 18th and 19th centuries — not just to the major historical events, but to individual stories, to the art and the literature. Asked when he would have preferred to live, he mentions the 1880s in Paris, around the time the Eiffel Tower was built. McCullough may have a go at the 20th century for his next book. He’s interested in 1913, the year before World War I began, when the U.S. enacted the federal income tax and the towering Woolworth Building in New York opened. But he has not committed himself to a subject, or even to a schedule. He might even take a break and turn full time to an old passion. “I’m not 52 anymore,’’ he said. “I’d like to paint for a year; might just do that. I love it, do it all the time.’’ — AP

right, he would have hitched up his pants and dealt with eight, ten, 12 more years of punching a clock. There are many worse fates. I fear he has consigned himself to one of them. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

To subscribe, see page 60.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

BEACON BITS

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Sept. 24

INTERGENERATIONAL CHORAL CONCERT

The Friday Morning Music Club and the Calvary Baptist Church will celebrate the anniversaries (125th and 150th) by combining the musical talents of the two organizations with those of young choral musicians from the area. The two-day event culminates in a 4 p.m. concert on Saturday, Sept. 24, which is free and open to the public, at 755 8th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. To learn more, call Barbara Goff at (202) 244-6827.

Sept. 19

ANNUAL SILVER SPRING JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jazz keyboardist and Silver Spring resident Marcus Johnson will headline an all-star jazz line-up at the eighth annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival, Saturday, Sept. 10 from 3:30 to 9 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Pl., on the corner of Ellsworth Dr. and Fenton St. The free, outdoor program will also feature Project Natale, La Leyenda and Sheila Ross. For more information, call (240) 777-6821.

Ongoing

JOIN A GUITAR ORCHESTRA!

The Foggy Bottom Guitar Orchestra was founded by a group of residents living at St. Mary’s Court. Membership in the orchestra is open to all regardless of age, location or musical experience. Rehearsals and instruction take place every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Mary’s Court, 725 24th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. For more information, email dennissobin@yahoo.com.

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I N

F O C U S

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OV E R

Sept. 8+

BECOME A SPELLBINDING VOLUNTEER Become an Arlington Spellbinder, a volunteer storyteller who vis-

its children’s classrooms to tell stories from different traditions. Volunteers

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receive training based on a national Spellbinders curriculum and helpful support

We are pleased to offer both First-Class and Third-Class subscriptions:

sider becoming involved on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. or Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7

$36/year via First Class Mail* $12/year via Third Class Mail* Please send my subscription to:

in monthly meetings with other storytellers. Hear what Spellbinders do and conp.m. Both meetings are held at the Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington, Va. To register, call (703) 228-0955.

Name:____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ WB 9/11

City: _____________________State:_____Zip: ___________

Sept. 22

SCIENTIST? ENGINEER? HELP CHILDREN LEARN If you’re someone with a background in science, help students learn more about the subject by volunteering to work with them

one day a week this school year. The American Association for the

❐ ONE YEAR First-Class rate ($36 in VA and out of the area; $38.16 in D.C.; $38.16 in MD)

Advancement of Science Senior Scientist and Engineers has its annual volunteer

❐ ONE YEAR Third-Class rate ($12 in VA and out of the area; $12.72 in D.C.; $12.72 in MD) ❐ Check here if this is a gift subscription. A gift card will be sent in your name: _________________ Return form with check made payable to The Beacon, to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, Md. The meeting runs

*D.C. residents: add 6% for sales tax; Maryland residents: add 6% for sales tax.

project meeting on Thursday Sept. 22 at the Woodend Sanctuary, Audubon from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes a free lunch. Volunteers and Montgomery County Public School representatives will go over their experiences, curriculum and questions. Contact Ronald McKnight at rmcknight@starpower.net or (301) 869-0721. Registration is required.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box below. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

Business & Employment Opportunities HELP MAKE OUR DANCERS’ DREAMS A REALITY! Registrar: Virginia Ballet Company and School. Fairfax. P/T. Assist director with school and production administration. Basic computer skills a plus. Proactive, positive “people skills” a must. Email resume to virginia@virginiaballetcompany.org or call 703-249-8227. Ms. Tish Cordova. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY! EASY AND SIMPLE! Just one time out-of-pocket of $5.00 can earn $1000s. Call 641-715-3900 EXT. 87618#. Email: equidale@aol.com / 804-464-3568.

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Caregivers

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

UCARE AGENCY A reliable home health care agency can provide you with a certified and skilled caregiver for your loved ones. Call 240632-9420.

ASBURY DWELLINGS –Newly Renovated 62+ community Section 8 waitlist is open for efficiency, 1 & 2 bedrooms. All utilities included. Computer lab, community center with daily lunch served. Please come in to apply Tuesday – Thursday between the hours of 10 AM and 3:30 PM at 1616 Marion St., NW, EHO.

LEISURE WORLD® - $395,000. 3BR 2FB “L” in “Vantage Point.” Corner unit with 3 exposures, new paint, enclosed balcony, 1720 sq ft. Stan Moffson 301-928-3463.

LICENSED, EXPERIENCED CNA + RN nursing student seeks full-time night position. Pet-friendly & with stellar references. If interested, please call Jacqueline @ 301-787-3555. CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. DO YOU NEED ANOTHER PAIR OF HANDS between 10 am and 2 pm part time days in Temple Hills area on bus-line? I would like to volunteer in assisted living or private home. Exceptional references. Will help with ADLs. Call Patricia at 301-449-3651 during hours of 9 am to 6:30 pm Mon–Sat only. CAREGIVER AVAILABLE Live-in/out days/nights or weekend, car, cook, experienced & reliable, excellent references. MD/DC/Northern VA. 703-408-1347.

Computer Services COMPUTER LESSONS – Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use, and more. Learn at your own pace with gentle and patient tutor. We also fix computers, setup your new computer and troubleshoot. Working with Seniors since 1996. Ask about your Senior discount. Call David, 301762-2570, COMPUTERTUTOR.

$$$$ MONEY PROBLEMS $$$$ Earn $3,000.00 a month, selling Mia Bella Gourmet Scented Candles & Cosmetics. The first 50 callers receive a free catalog + DVD sample. Leave contact info at 1-888-462-7935.

PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. HOME. BUSINESS. Call: D. Guisset at 301-642-4526.

FINANCIAL JOBS. No experience necessary. Established firm will provide training. Call 801923-3496 for information.

Entertainment

MYSTERY SHOPPERS! Earn up to $150 daily. Get paid to shop pt/ft. Call now 800-690-1272. ACTORS/MOVIE EXTRAS - $150-$300/Day depending on job. No experience. All looks needed. 1-800-281-5185-A103. $2,000 MONTHLY POSSIBLE GROWING GOURMET MUSHROOMS FOR US. Year Round Income. Markets Established. Call - Write For Free Information. Midwest Associates, Box 69, Fredericktown, OH 43019 1-740-694-0565. 2011 POSTAL POSITIONS $13.00-$36.50+/hr., Federal hire/full benefits. Call Today! 1-866-4774953 Ext. 150. (13) CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS NEEDED! $22-30/Hour Paid Daily! Start IMMEDIATELY! Apply Here ==> www.earn200daily.com. SENIORS! SELL YOUR UNWANTED LIFE INSURANCE! State licensed. Call Toll Free: 877-282-4360 or visit www.AtAge60.com for a FREE evaluation.

Caregivers LOVING HOME CARE “Care you can trust and afford.” Companionship, hygiene care, meal preparation, housekeeping, errands, shopping, doctor’s appointments. Loving, dependable caregivers for FT/PT or Live-In care. Call: 301-4901146. www.lovinghomecare.org.

RENTAL: Leisure World, 55+ community. Beautiful, light-filled 3BR, 2 Full Bath, 1,200 sq ft, 1 level quadroplex. Custom, tiled floor kitchen, new hardwood floors, patio with shed. Exceptional inside & out. Includes ALL utilities (except phone) + cable + ALL maintenance & L.W. amenities (golf, pools, clubhouses, restaurants, etc.). $1,795/month. Available NOW! 301598-3247, showmt@hotmail.com. LEISURE WORLD® - $269,000. 2BR+ Den. 2FB “G” in Turnberry Courts. Freshly painted, golf course view. Shows like a model. 1446sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $249,500. 2BR + Den, 2FB “S” model in “Fairways”. Remodeled kitchen and baths, custom window treatments, Garage space. 1460 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® -$84,900. 1BR 1-1/2FB “Elizabeth” model. Recently renovated. New appliances, custom window treatments, view of trees. 1308 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $54,500. 2BR 1FB “Carlyle” model coop. Renovated, new appliances, new windows. 1035 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $84,900. 1BR 1FB “A” in “Greens”. New paint and carpet, view of trees enclosed balcony, close to elevator. 850 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $219,000. 2BR + den, 2FB “R” model in “Fairways”. Ceramic tile enclosed balcony, table space kitchen, garage parking, new carpet. 1420 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

LEISURE WORLD® - $83,900. 2BR 2FB “Warfield” model. Table space kitchen with window, 1st floor, patio, separate laundry room, 1116 sq. ft. Reserved parking. 1116 sq. ft. Stan Moffson 301-928-3463. COLONIAL BEACH Beautiful Home on river in quiet neighborhood. Golf Cart Community. 2BR, 1BA , Finished Attic, W/D , Screened Porch, Garage, Large Yard. $1265 Call: 703 430 7988. OCEANFRONT living in Virginia Beach for only $208,888 just 2 blocks from the beach in a quiet setting yet close to all the shopping, restaurants & entertainment. Open floor plan 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths with private patio, first floor end unit, no stairs at all. $30,000 in renovations-completely remodeled with granite counter tops, new kitchen & much more. Retire in this MAINTENANCE FREE permanent vacation home for the rest of your life. Stop looking – this condo is move-in ready for you, so come see it & start living the life you’re always dreamed of! Call Simona for your private showing – 757-609-5674. NE – Delta Towers Apartments waiting list will be open on September 28, 9 am - 2 pm only. 1400 Florida Ave., NE (20002). BEAUTIFUL 2BR 2FB CONDO in the Greens of Leisure World 55+ Community. NEW: Carpet, paint, most appliances & fixtures. Wonderful view from enclosed balcony. Call Chris Wells 301-404-7653 or Roberta Campbell 301-8017906 to view. Only $91,500. STOP RENTING Lease option to buy Rent to own No money down No credit check 1-877-3950321. AVAILABLE NOW!!! 2-4 Bedroom homes Take Over Payments No Money Down/No Credit Check Call 1-888-269-9192.

PUT THE MUSIC YOU LOVE BACK IN YOUR LIFE! Enjoy live jazz and swing on the first Friday of the month at Hollywood East Café, Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall, 7 to 10 p.m. Listen to the Night & Day Combo perform the classic standard songs of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, from Cole Porter, Gershwin, et al. Great music, great food, no cover charge! http://nightanddaymusic.com/clubpage.html.

LEISURE WORLD® - $61,900. 2BR 1FB “Hampton” model. Convenient to Broadwalk, in move in condition. 1200 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

***FREE FORECLOSURE LISTINGS*** OVER 400,000 properties nationwide. Low down payment. Call now 800-250-2043.

LEISURE WORLD® - $96,900. 2BR 2FB “E” in “Fairways”. Freshly painted, berber carpet, enclosed balcony, close to elevator. 980 sq. ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors 301-928-3463.

Health

BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE Rescue Squad Alumni Crab Feast. Sunday, October 9, 2011. 1 PM to 5 PM. $40 per person. For reservations contact, Jack Hartley 301-977-6634.

LEISURE WORLD® - $96,000. 2BR 2FB “E” model in “Greens”. Garage. Close to elevator. Enclosed balcony. Garage $20,000 extra. 990 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

LEISURE WORLD® - $159,000. 3BR 2FB “Capri” villa. Updated kitchen, open balcony, huge space. 1415 sq. ft. Stan Moffson, 301-9283463.

LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will preview units & contact you with a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings on page 18. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert, Realtors. COLONIAL BEACH. Beautiful home on river in quiet neighborhood. Golf cart community. 2BR, 1BA, finished attic, W/D, screened porch, garage, large yard. $1265. Call: 703-430-7988.

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD C H I C H A N O A D D I E N T E X T O R E O P A S S S S A M A L I S S I X P S T A R I T B E E L L A R E E D

From page 62.

K I N D S I E R A R S A T O I R A T E

P E C S E X A M P I C A T A R D I O T R N E G A R A P E M B A S E C O N T E D A W S N I L A X I S T E

F L A G B O O N D E P A S A O D V E E N R A

R E L A X E D

O N A T E A R

M O D E S T Y

H E X A G O N

A B G A E D A S L A T S

LEISURE WORLD® - $359,000. 2BR 2FB “G” in “Overlook”. 1st floor with enclosed patio plus open terrace, golf course view, upgraded kitchen, garage space, new paint. 1720 sq ft. Stan Moffson 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® - $289,000. 3BR 2-1/2BA “M” in the “Greens” with Garage, Table space kitchen with window, extra storage. 1530 sq ft. Stan Moffson 301-928-3463.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM CHRONIC PAIN OR ILLNESS? I do. I know what it is like. But I also know that with coaching you can improve the quality of your life. Give me a call for a free consultation. Abigail at 202-244-2234.

Miscellaneous DISH NETWORK PACKAGES start $24.99/mo FREE HD for life! FREE BLOCKBUSTER® movies (3 months.) Call1-800-9159514.

Classifieds cont. on p. 63.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES

Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, offer a personal service, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Commercial Party Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing commercial business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one commercial ad.

The Beacon, Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

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Puzzle Page

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus X Marks the Spot by Stephen Sherr 1

10 16

21 26

33 37

41 50

28 31 34

44 51

1. Farm newbie 6. Abs’ partners 10. E-mail sort option 14. Far Eastern capital city 15. Eye check 16. Late-night host 17. Supplement 18. 1/6th of an inch 19. ___-In His Lamp: Bugs Bunny’s Baghdad bother 20. Means justifiers 22. ___ and feather 23. Airport meeting place 24. Communicate with a teen 26. Family room fixtures 29. Breyers flavor 30. Sea eagle 31. ___ a time (single file) 32. Use the left lane 33. Affection 36. Help with the dishes 37. Lee that nobody doesn’t like 39. Comment by 1 Across 41. Entryway to Houston 44. Rio Carnival dances 46. Whaler 50. Elite 52. Logical beginning 53. Nintendo rival 54. With 58A, shape you can make by connecting all of the X’s in this puzzle 57. Canned 58. See 54 Across 59. Unrefined 60. Dr Pepper, for example 62. Let ___ (Beatles coda) 63. Blue dye source 65. Sin city 68. First name of the “First Lady of Song” 69. Jazzman Calloway 70. ___ Gay (“Little Boy” carrier)

Across

JUMBLE ANSWERS

Scrabble answers on p. 61.

Answer: What he got when he paid off his expensive watch monthly - TIME ON “TIME” Jumbles: METAL REARM ENTIRE JURIST

60 64

61 65

71. Oboe part 72. Direction to Toledo Spain from Toledo Ohio 73. Goes on endlessly

Down 1. Part of a Cuban dance 2. Owned 3. Sorts 4. NFL pre-game ritual 5. Sort 6. Cheerleader’s specialty 7. Deplaning 8. Chocolate producer 9. Stylish 10. Wine bottle 11. Lounged on the pool deck 12. Having a hot streak 13. Humbleness 21. Environmental club 24. Penthouse floor, generally 25. Maddux measure 27. Fantasy 28. Foreshadow 34. Swiftly 35. Patches the outfield 38. Regarding 40. Parade place 41. More audacious 42. ___ Less Conversation (Elvis’ last #1 hit) 43. Unlike oil and water 45. Not one; not the other 47. A different shape you can make from this puzzle’s X’s 48. Stay alive 49. Rotten, like an apple 51. Put butter on toast 55. Furious 56. Grams 61. “I have finished talking” 64. Tell a tall tale 66. Space bar neighbor 67. Stockholm-based airline

Answers on page 61.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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Miscellaneous

Wanted

PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? You choose from families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6292, 24/7 Void/Illinois.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158.

COLLECTIONS, HIFI STEREO, LARGE OLD SPEAKERS, OLD ELECTRONICS, CAMERAS. BEST PRICE. CASH BUYER. PLEASE CALL ALAN 240-478-1100 or 410-740-5222.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Accounting, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com.

WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697.

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)4536204.

MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan (202) 841-3062.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES– Old and good quality furniture, glass, pottery, china, paintings, art, toys, advertising, costume and high-grade jewelry, gold, silver, silver flatware, wind-up watches, clocks, dolls, musical instruments, music boxes, sports & paper memorabilia, sterling, fishing, hunting, rugs, lamps, Hummels, political, rock & roll memorabilia, posters, military items, helmets, guns, swords, bayonets, medals, weapons, guitars, banjos, prints, art, sculptures, Lladro, bronzes, trains, fishing rod reels & lures, cast iron outdoor furniture, hi-grade American made tools, presentation and other unusual items. Purchasing one piece or entire estates. I have over 30 years experience and I am a very ethical dealer located in Bowie, Md. Also a permanent vendor at Eastern Market in Southeast Washington, DC on Sundays. Please call Mike Keller, (301) 731-0982 or (301) dc742-5031.

Personal Services WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854. WOW! GREAT HAIRCUT at a great price! Professional family hair salon conveniently located in Bethesda, MD. State board certified. Call 240-432-7211. PARALEGAL: Experienced in trusts, estates and will preparation and other letters and paperwork. Call 301-565-2917. VAN MAN – For your driving needs. Shopping, appointments, pick-up and deliver – airport van. Call Mike 301-565-4051. MOTHER WILL DRIVE YOU to your appointments, do your shopping, clean your house, cooking, personal assistant. Do you need to plan an event? Also does Elder Care. Honest, reasonable rate, and references provided. 240595-7467. DO YOU HAVE A NOVEL IN YOU? Awardwinning writer with 25 years experience will help you write, edit, and help find agents and publishers for your work of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or your memoir. Hourly rate reduced for senior citizens. Phone Jack Ryan at 703-5601015, or email to jryan12558@aol.com. BEST BUDDIES PET SERVICE Vacation plans? Sudden illness? We provide dog walking, cat care, boarding in our North Bethesda home. Pick up and drop off available. 240-654-0694. BestBuddiesPetSiting@hotmail.com. www.BestBuddiesPetService.com. FOR $100/MONTH + postage/envelope reimbursement, I’ll get you off all catalog or solicitation list as I did for my Mother. Contact Marie: 443-994-0625 / virri345@aol.com. EASY BUSINESS RÉSUMÉS. Short résumés, cover letters, typed references. 16 years experience. Competitive pricing, convenient locations. Good quality. Marty – mfixman@aol.com, 703768-5254, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Personals SWF – 55, in search of S/DWM 50-65, 5’8” or taller. Non-smoker preferred. Retired OK. Let’s meet for coffee! Please leave a message on voicemail 571-451-2770. ATTRACTIVE WHITE MALE: Unhappy in present relationship. Seeking warm, loving female to uncover and share those special moments that life has to offer. You – warm, easy going possibly in similar situation. Reply: starrynightsix9@yahoo.com. WORLD TRAVELER, retired, non-smoking, seeks roommate to share travel expenses (equally). Let’s exchange recent photos and travel data. LLF. P.O. Box 16 Vienna, VA 22183. WHITE FEMALE SENIOR seeks white male senior for friendship in Alexandria area. My name is Janie. I like country music, classical, etc. Pass me by if you are only passing through or call 703-823-8744. LIKE TO MEET Caucasian woman 54-68. Quiet, low maintenance, love to give massages, non-smoker, health is great and am muscular in build. francisyates@ymail.com. 202-3638815.

Vacation Opportunities BEST AIRFARE TO ASIA. We are China Tour Specialists.Serving theWashington D.C.MetroArea; Phone 703-992-8990; email witspeter@yahoo.com; Website www.chinawidetravel.com.

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan 301-279-8834. Thank you. STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-6637. Stampex1@gmail.com. VINYL RECORDS WANTED from the 20s through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections preferred. Please call John, 301-596-6201. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, ESTATES. FREE evaluations and house calls. We pay the most for your valuable treasures because we get the most money on eBay – the worldwide Internet. Serving entire metro area – Maryland, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia. Buying the following items – furniture, art, paintings, silver, gold, old coins, jewelry, vintage wristwatches, military items, including guns, rifles, swords, daggers, knives, musical instruments, guitars, violins, banjos, old toys, dolls, trains, old golf clubs, baseball, football, tennis equipment and memorabilia, old fishing, tools, books, photographs, comic books. I am a resident of Silver Spring. 20 years experience. Please call Tom 240-476-3441. Thank you. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom or Katherine. Call anytime 301-654-8678. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Compare my price before you sell! Serving entire metro area. Call for a free consultation, and professional service. I will purchase one piece or your entire estate. Including Furniture, Artwork, Glassware, Jewelry, Rugs, Costume, Gold and Silver, Watches, Sterling Items, Flatware, Lladro & Hummel Figurines, All Military Items, Guns, Swords, Helmets, Bayonets, Medals, Scout Items, Clocks, Music Boxes, Toys, Baseball Memorabilia, Trains, All String Instruments, Including Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Fishing Rods and Reels, Lures, Historical Items, American tools, Posters, Outside Iron Furniture. I am a very reputable dealer with two locations in Silver Spring and Bowie, MD. Please call Christopher Keller 301-408-4751 or 301-262-1299. Thank you. WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI 1970-1980 Z1-900, KZ900, KZ 1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2-350, S3-400 CASH. 1-800-772-1142, 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com.

Letters to editor From page 2 Dear Editor: Regarding your discussion of the growing problems of Social Security and Medicare: The possible need for cuts is realistic, but so also is the need for the system to be improved. Just this year, we have encountered two billings for my husband that were not correct. We believe the first one was just a mistake, and the hospital corrected it when we contacted them. The second one is an out-and-out scam, and we have been working on it since March. While Medicare encourages people to report abuse, we have spent hours on the telephone [with them] getting no real interest. Protocol gets in the way, and it seems as though Medicare personnel find it easier to just let it go. Persistence has finally paid off, though, and we believe the matter may soon be resolved. I should tell you that it has not been a matter of cost for us because [the spurious bill] was paid by Medicare and Aetna. The billing for these two items was approximately $1,500. If even 10 percent of Medicare billing is like this, just think how much money is wasted. I resent [Congress] raising the premium and making cuts when Medicare is being treated like a “cash cow” by many. Based on the scam and our experience in reporting it, I can only imagine how many folks have found it too difficult to follow through and have given up. Carolyn Lambie Frederick, Md. Editor’s comment: Senior Medicare Patrol, now known formally by its initials SMP, teaches senior volunteers and professionals, such as doctors, how to help

CASH MONEY PAID FOR CARDS. Baseball and non-sport cards before 1973. Includes: Topps, Bowman, Fleer, Goudeys, Play Ball, Caramels, Tobacco Cards, ETC. Non-sport cards include: Elvis, 3 Stooges, Davy Crockett, Casper, Horrors of War, Mars Attack, Lone Ranger, Gulligan’s Island, Hogan’s Heroes, Superman, Batman, ETC… We don’t cherry pick the best and leave the rest. We buy it all!!! Anything & everything. Any condition. Please call Jim with confidence 202-258-1109. WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS Any kind/brand. Unexpired up to $18.00. Shipping Paid Hablamos espanol 1-800-266-0702 www.selldiabeticstrips.com.

Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries fight fraud. For more information about this program, visit www.smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468. Dear Editor: I thoroughly enjoyed reading your July cover story, “If it’s so much fun, is it work?” I was amazed that there are “78 seasonal employees over the age of 50” employed by Six Flags in Upper Marlboro. They truly are an inspiration for all ages. I am just around the corner from the senior citizen age group and [it] was exactly what someone my age, and older, needs to hear. I am a Maryland state employee who this past spring re-enrolled in a college curriculum. I have a husband and three grown children who all have college degrees; one with a master’s and another currently in graduate school. It is now my turn to continue my education. I enjoy both working and studying. Going back to school and working has required an adjustment. I could not be successful without the support of my husband. It is quite nice to have help with my studies from my children who are still so familiar with the college routine. My father-in-law, at age 94, still writes articles for magazines and works on his computer daily. He lives with his wife, who is 94 and now has dementia. He takes care of her without the aid of a livein nurse. He has an admirable work ethic! I believe that the younger generation should aspire to work like today’s senior citizens. Kudos to Six Flags for having a workforce with such a variable demographic! The “snow birds” can work at Six Flags for six months and then head south for the winter. It is the best of both worlds for them and keeps them young and healthy. Theresa Morse Brookeville, Md.

BEACON BITS

ESTATE BUY-OUTS / CLEAN-OUTS RECORD

Ongoing

VOLUNTEER BINGO CALLER Emeritus Senior Living Residents play bingo on Sundays, 11 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and are in need of a

DONATE YOUR CAR. FREE TOWING. “Cars for Kids”. Any condition. Tax deductible outreachcenter.com, 1-800-597-9411.

volunteer caller with a friendly, outgoing manner and a strong voice. The games

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-4546951.

Niwiazsky at (301) 765-9198 or email natalyniw@yahoo.com.

are held at 11215 Seven Locks Rd., Potomac, Md. If interested, contact Nataly

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